muffle

verb

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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

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 Joanie lowered her face to Buddy’s shoulder and tried to muffle her laughter. — Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 27 June 2022 At the site, Dibee began drilling holes into the wall of the Cavel West building behind the refrigeration units, using nearby noise to muffle the sounds of the drill. — oregonlive, 21 Apr. 2022 But the door did little to muffle the clanging of workers chiseling granite and the boom of the guillotine. — New York Times, 3 Mar. 2022 As the Kremlin seeks to muffle independent news about the war and push state propaganda downplaying its invasion into Ukraine, many experts view these tech services as an essential means for ordinary Russians to understand the war. — Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2022 When the curtain fell, masks could not muffle the rapturous hollers. — Rich Benjamin, The New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2022 The trails trace the east flanks of the mountain in long, loopy segments that alternately climb to high-point vistas and duck through drainages and rocky bends that momentarily muffle the cacophony of cars and cargo carriers. — Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 30 Dec. 2021 Triple-glass windows and extra insulation in the attic, walls and floors can also muffle outside noise. — oregonlive, 16 Nov. 2021 That being said, the over-ear aspect does still muffle barking quite well. — Brad Moon, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2021 See More

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.