muted

1 of 2

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

muted

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of mute entry 3, mute entry 4

Synonyms of muted

Adjective

• quieted
• silent
• quiet
• hushed

Examples of muted in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Christine Jahan, the founder of Christine Jahan Designs, recommends sticking to soft, muted tones. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 2026

Wall Street is one constituency that’s been relatively muted on the drama. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

But not all moves are equal, with oil and the bond market attracting the most market attention, while volatility remains muted and cryptocurrencies are unusually quiet. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

Whitaker described the look as a slightly muted range of color with deep black shadows, not bleak or colorless, but restrained, serious, suburban, and ordinary. — Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for muted

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