muffle

verb

muf·fle | \ ˈmə-fəl

muffled; muffling\ ˈmə-f(ə-)liŋ

Definition of muffle

transitive verb

1 : to wrap up so as to conceal or protect : envelop

2 obsolete : blindfold

3a : to wrap or pad with something to dull the sound muffle the oarlocks

b : to deaden the sound of

4 : keep down, suppress muffled her anger

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about muffle

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Synonyms & Antonyms for muffle

Synonyms

mute, stifle

Antonyms

unmuffle

Examples of muffle in a Sentence

They tried to muffle the noise. I could hear their muffled voices from the next room.

Recent Examples on the Web

The resounding click-clack muffles the murmur of anticipation as the train inches up the wooden structure. — Matt Blitz, Popular Mechanics, "From Death Traps to Disneyland: The 600-Year History of the Roller Coaster," 13 Aug. 2018 Jack intoned, less convincingly this go-round behind a muffling hand. — Mike Kerrigan, WSJ, "My Brother the Car Horn," 27 Nov. 2018 Sound coming from other devices can easily get muffled due to the speaker's placement. — Valentina Palladino, Ars Technica, "Lenovo Yoga C930 2-in-1 review: Hidden features in all the right places," 26 Oct. 2018 This is contrary to using Dolby Virtual music mode, which returns sound that’s muffled and generally not enjoyable, especially if your content doesn’t support Dolby’s processing. — Stefan Etienne, The Verge, "Razer Nommo Pro speakers review: versatility comes at a price," 27 Sep. 2018 Christine Blasey Ford said that, at a high school party in 1982, Kavanaugh groped her, tried to undress her, and covered her mouth to muffle her screams, while Kavanaugh’s friend, Mark Judge, stood by. — German Lopez, Vox, "The FBI investigation of Kavanaugh was doomed from the start," 5 Oct. 2018 Moments later, Camille muffling a scream into a pretty pink dress feels well-earned. — Emma Dibdin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Sharp Objects Episode 5: Adora Is Officially the Worst Mother Ever," 6 Aug. 2018 The racket inside the car amplified as the outside world was muffled by the incessant, almost angry hammering of the rain. — Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, "What They Don't Tell You About Cross-Country Family Road Trips," 23 July 2018 On a lot of guitars, either the lower or higher strings will sound better in a particular pickup location, and some notes get muffled when playing chords. — Henry Robertson, Popular Mechanics, "The New Fender Strat Still Reigns Supreme," 27 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'muffle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.