muted

adjective

mut·​ed ˈmyü-təd 

1

a

: being mute : silent

b

: toned down : low-key, subdued

muted colors

muted voices

a muted response

2

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

mutedly adverb

Synonyms of muted

• quieted
• silent
• quiet
• hushed

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

Driver and Teller move through Queens and Brooklyn, surrounded by muted colors and hard edges of Gray’s New York, while the promise of easy money gives way to danger. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 10 Aug. 2026

In this particular scene, the positioning and slightly muted colors of the flowers on display lend the tableau a feel reminiscent of Roy Andersson, though the darker lighting of the room in general echoes some of the latter-day work of Pedro Costa. — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026

Think clean lines, muted colors, original artwork, and skylights in some rooms. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026

Fans, however, have wondered why marketing for the game has felt pretty muted outside of two trailers just over four months before launch. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for muted

• booted
• fluted
• fruited
• hooted
• looted
• mooted
• rooted
• routed
• scooted
• suited
• commuted
• computed