1
as in quieted
mostly or entirely without sound the muted cry of a frightened witness to a murder
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in subdued
not excessively showy painted with muted colors
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in silent
deliberately refraining from speech she was unexpectedly muted in the presence of her literary idol
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1
2
as in muffled
to deaden the sound of closing the windows muted the traffic noise so we could get to sleep
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of muted
Mia Glass, Bloomberg, 7 Apr. 2026 Leaving the refuge, the vibrant color palette and moisture give way to muted browns and the returning austerity of desert air. —Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026 The findings reveal a lot of variance by sector, and muted total job growth. —Bob Herman, STAT, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for muted
Adjective
Japan’s auction of 30-year notes saw muted demand as investors stayed cautious amid uncertainty about Middle East tensions. —Mia Glass, Bloomberg, 7 Apr. 2026 Leaving the refuge, the vibrant color palette and moisture give way to muted browns and the returning austerity of desert air. —Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
The reaction on Tuesday from investors is relatively muted given the economic risks that could be in store if the war escalates, said Nigel Green, the CEO of investment firm de Vere Group. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026 The findings reveal a lot of variance by sector, and muted total job growth. —Bob Herman, STAT, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for muted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muted
Adjective
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After the vibrant color palette of the 1980s, the 1990s ushered in a more subdued vibe, with dusty mauves, cool teals, and grayish pastels dominating everything from walls to upholstery.— Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
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Here, the spa is much smaller and more subdued in design, although the same treatments are offered.— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Republican members also remained silent, with the exception of Chairman Charlie Geren of Fort Worth, who called for the vote.— Jack Fink, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
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Behind bars, Jeffs ordered his followers to no longer marry or have children and later became increasingly silent, paving the way for Bateman to assert himself as his heir.— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Lyonne shushed the staffer, got up and headed to the bathroom, according to Page Six.— Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026
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Some shushed the crowds, urging them to be silent and reverent.— CBS News, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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He’s perched on the second floor above the courtyard, a few bustling parties muffled in the background.— Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
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Other symptoms include ringing, a sensation like something is stuck in the ears or conversations sounding muffled.— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Sources later confirmed to PEOPLE that Prince had a quiet history of using the prescription painkiller Percocet.— Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
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After a mostly quiet game, Alexander-Walker had a critical steal late as the Hawks completed their stunning rally.— Darnell Mayberry, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In contrast, Ionic capitals, which are more restrained, currently grace the columns at the entrance of the White House.— Kevin D. Murphy, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026
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Some had pushed for a slightly more restrained proposal that would have given Democrats the upper hand in nine of the 11 House seats.— Russell Berman, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Mute the microphone on smart speakers Most smart speakers include a physical microphone mute button.— Adriana James-Rodil, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
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In it, a local TV meteorologist played by Emily Blunt goes mute mid-broadcast and comes out instead with a series of unintelligible noises that rivet viewers.— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Carasso says he won’t be silenced.— Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
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Voyager 2's own LECP instrument was silenced in March 2025.— Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Muted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/muted. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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