: reduced or softened in intensity, forcefulness, etc. : restrained, subdued
It was a toned-down version of a raunchy tune he sung in minstrel shows.Charles Seabrook
The toned-down bar has reclaimed paneling, weathered couches and a cocktail menu without bottle service.Benjamin Detrick

Examples of toned-down in a Sentence

after such a heated argument, it was a relief to hear someone use toned-down language to state their position
Recent Examples on the Web Its colorful striped pattern is toned-down ever so slightly by a pair of fashion flip-flops from Massimo Dutti and Haight’s chestnut-colored swimsuit. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 4 July 2024 For her, that meant toned-down, muted pinks and mauve desert tones. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'toned-down.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toned-down was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near toned-down

Cite this Entry

“Toned-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toned-down. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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