muted

adjective

mut·​ed ˈmyü-təd 

1

a

: being mute : silent

b

: toned down : low-key, subdued

2

: provided with or produced or modified by the use of a mute

mutedly adverb

Synonyms

• hushed
• noiseless
• quiet
• quieted
• silent
• soundless
• still
• stilly

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

The third and final entry in Sony’s Marvel antihero series, led by Tom Hardy, opened to a muted $51 million from 4,125 North American theaters. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 Oct. 2024

There was a wild cheetah-print in dazzling gold; muted suedes in blue and brown; and a snakeskin green that called to me like the apple did Eve. —Heshel Rolnick, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2024

White, black, brown, and cream all pair well with a muted green color. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024

Whether more saturated or muted, rusty-brownish or terracotta-toned, the often polarizing color can bring vibrancy to even the smallest of spaces. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a