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

Female cardinals have more muted feathers, with brown and gold-flecked plumage in addition to tufts of red at the crown and tail. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

The alternative framework was swiftly rejected by Moscow and met with a muted response from Washington. —Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

The supermodel, 52, took to Instagram to share the behind-the-scenes of a recent photo shoot, which included squeezing herself into a muted pink sheer latex skirt. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025

Standout elements of her makeup look included bold eyebrows, lined eyes and a muted pink lip for overall simplicity and refinement. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 26 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