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

In the meantime, the Bay Area will stay dry on Thursday with a notable warming trend as temperatures rise back into the 80s across the interior, with a more muted warmup (into the 70s) closer to the water. —Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026

In markets, trading has been mixed across Asia, while European futures indicate a muted open. —Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026

The home is wonderfully spacious for families who want room to spread out, and boasts a traditional Scandinavian interior full of warm wood tones and muted upholstery. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2026

Given the friction out there, AI’s labor-market and productivity effects could be far more muted than many people (me) fear. —Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 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