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

With an understated mix of blue and yellow tones that provide warmth but still feel muted. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025

The mood was far more muted at Cuomo’s party at a midtown Manhattan theater. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

His muted involvement in the race marks a sharp contrast with the White House’s aggressive push earlier this year to promote its signature tax and spending bill across key battleground states. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025

The label features a delicate garland stripe of winter berries and alternating stars set against a muted sage backdrop reminiscent of winter foliage. —Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Nov. 2025

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