muted

adjective

mut·​ed ˈmyü-təd 

1

a

: being mute : silent

b

: toned down : low-key, subdued

2

: provided with or produced or modified by the use of a mute

mutedly adverb

Synonyms

• 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

Here’s why Nonfarm payrolls rose by just 73,000 in July, below even the muted expectations. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2025

The situation changes over time, and so, in a more muted way, do the politics. —Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2025

And in 2020, First Lady Melania Trump oversaw a significant redesign—replacing the colorful cherry trees and tulip beds with a more muted, symmetrical layout that, supporters argued, brought the garden closer to Mellon’s original vision. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2025

The muted mossy green hue is fitting for summer and fall—just wrap yourself in a pashmina once the weather cools down. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 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