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

Many pre-fall collections, including Stella McCartney and Carven have embraced this approach, pairing a muted or neutral top with color on the bottom. — Laurence Goldberg, Vogue, 17 July 2026

The universe of the film, as all of Nolan’s worlds are, is one drawn from the muted colors of reluctant determination and it’s structured by a gravity of inexpressible guilt. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 17 July 2026

Muted and Mid-Toned Greens Continuing the earthy trend, muted and mid-toned greens are having their moment this year, according to our experts. — The Spruce, 17 July 2026

Pair it with pale blues and garden greens to double up on muted hues, or embrace the cinnamon hue and layer it with earth tones. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 15 July 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