tone (down)

verb

Definition of tone (down)next
as in to mute

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tone (down)
  1. mute
  2. blunt
  3. muffle
  4. dull
  5. reduce
  6. decrease
  7. damp
  8. dampen
Verb
  • Across Asia-Pacific, it's been a mixed session during the final trading day of the week, while muted gains for European stocks look set to leave the major equity markets in the red for the week.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
  • SkyBridge Capital founder Anthony Scaramucci told CNBC on Tuesday that bitcoin’s volatility was muted after cryptocurrency miners redirected their computing power toward AI stocks.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of mute
Verb
  • Even before this summer’s heat, the EU had begun loosening a number of its emissions targets and delaying the phaseout of gas and diesel vehicles, in an apparent effort to blunt the far right’s use of green policies as a campaign issue.
    — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The law is aimed at blunting financial scams that often target older adults, which frequently include prompting victims to withdraw large sums of money at once.
    — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of blunt
Verb
  • Buell tried to muffle the sound by putting her hands over her ears.
    — Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Now the sound was muffled from the hunters as the dogs passed around a canebrake wall bordered by a dark bayou.
    — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of muffle
Verb
  • The sparkle in her eyes had dulled and her smile seemed forced.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Note that cold temperatures can dull the flavor and make the tomatoes slightly mealy, so try to use them within a few days when possible.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of dull
Verb
  • Proponents say such a system can reduce response time in the face of gun violence or a medical emergency.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than having dog kennels lined up across from each other like in traditional shelters, the New Leash on Life design will have kennels on one side facing a hallway to reduce barking and stress.
    — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • The researchers’ models suggest that areas near the escarpment could have lost as much as 8 kilometers of rock, with erosion decreasing farther away from the ancient cliff.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • An early positive working relationship has been struck with Ross Wilson, the sporting director, and the pair usually speak multiple times every day, although their volume of conversations may decrease slightly once the transfer window closes.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • The chassis features a unique rear hinge that splits slightly upon impact, helping to damp street vibrations and preventing the scooter from bottoming out on minor debris.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026
  • When cleaning wood or stone, use it barely damp and well wrung, with a pH-neutral cleaner.
    — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of damp
Verb
  • Yields have climbed higher as softer inflation and labor data have dampened the picture for Fed rate hikes, which the market has already priced in.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Once you’re done, use a cloth dampened with water only to remove the soapy residue.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of dampen
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.

Browse Nearby Words

toned (down)
tone (down)
toned (up)
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Cite this Entry

“Tone (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tone%20%28down%29. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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