muted

adjective

mut·​ed ˈmyü-təd How to pronounce muted (audio)
Synonyms of mutednext
1
a
: being mute : silent
b
: toned down : low-key, subdued
muted colors
muted voices
a muted response
2
: provided with or produced or modified by the use of a mute
mutedly adverb

Synonyms of muted

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Examples of muted in a Sentence

The artist chose colors that are dark and muted. the muted sound of a distant trumpet The government chose a more muted response to the threat. Their proposal has drawn a muted reaction from most observers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The second quarter could mark a new direction for the brand, which has succumbed to two consecutive quarters of sales declines and muted growth before that. — Ella Graveney, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026 When adjusting by pulling out those investment gains from private AI companies, Dhillon points out, the growth is much more muted. — Kate Rooney, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 Those who adore Kurosawa’s unsettling earlier films may be thrown off by his new movie’s relatively muted approach. — Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 Most of the lunar disk will take on a muted ruddy-copper color, while a narrow, brightly illuminated portion remains outside the umbra. — Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for muted

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of muted was in 1855

Rhymes for muted

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Browse Nearby Words

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muted
mutedly
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Cite this Entry

“Muted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muted. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on muted

Nglish: Translation of muted for Spanish Speakers

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