1
as in to mute
to deaden the sound of
the walls muffled their conversation so that only a low murmur was heard
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wrap
to surround or cover closely
the airport had been muffled in fog all morning long
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of muffle
The rhythmic sounds of construction muffle the thud of farmers’ hoes on a chilly morning in Rwanda ‘s capital, where new efforts aim to protect remaining agricultural land from relentless development in Africa’s most densely populated country.
—
Evelyne Musambi, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
While Hazel Avenue is a busy street, traffic cannot be heard from inside the house and is muffled in the front yard.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
The timeless linen is backed with a white blackout liner to block out as much light as possible without adding unnecessary bulk to your window frames while muffling the sound from your street.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026
Indeed, attempts to muffle criticism have backfired, some observers believe.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for muffle
Evelyne Musambi, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
While Hazel Avenue is a busy street, traffic cannot be heard from inside the house and is muffled in the front yard.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
The timeless linen is backed with a white blackout liner to block out as much light as possible without adding unnecessary bulk to your window frames while muffling the sound from your street.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026
Indeed, attempts to muffle criticism have backfired, some observers believe.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for muffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muffle
Verb
-
Somewhat muted amid Pat Riley’s comments this week about the need for decisive Miami Heat change were cautionary words about a process that also could be deferred, put on hold.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The immediate impact may be muted, but over time a looser OPEC — as well as a UAE that feels empowered to pump more crude — could erode the oil-price floor underpinning the economies of top African producers Nigeria and Angola.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Kay wraps her voice around propulsive rock arrangements on one, while another leans into flamenco pop.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Kristen Wile of Unpretentious Palate kindly offered me a bite of her toothsome barbacoa entree, wrapped in a collard leaf and served with mayocoba (a creamy, yellow-green canary bean) and a red and green salsa duo.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The rest of the film is filled with such stifling cuts, with scenes that dispense information without exploring it.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Both are critical of Measure ULA, which has stifled development across the city.—
The Editorial Board,
Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But there’s also the pan brioche (Italian brioche bread) with anchovies and butter and puntarelle enveloped in a savory anchovy hug; the agnolotti del plin, dumplings shining in a glossy butter and sage sauce, are not to be missed either.—
CNT Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Elkins stretched his hands behind them, enveloping his kids like a big hug.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Keep your hands free and available to carry other essentials with this genius pet backpack that's secure, enclosed and sure to keep your pets feeling safe—even in times of crisis.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
-
Archaeologists found that the site’s foragers had crafted small huts from brushwood, weaving them into dome-like structures enclosing a central hearth.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
The cult’s deity, a skeleton shrouded in a hooded robe, resembles a morbid inversion of the Virgin Mary, often blessed with tequila and marijuana smoke.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
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The federal body has been shrouded in mystery and steeped in controversy since it was reformulated by Kennedy.—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Researchers also found oxybenzone damages DNA and triggers premature skeleton formation that can encase entire larvae.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The design uses a privacy wall that encases both seats in the last row, similar to those found in first-class seats with privacy doors.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The district encompasses some of the richest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, including Brentwood, Pacific Palisades and Playa Vista, but also has been plagued by homelessness issues and suffered the devastating and deadly Palisades fire, which destroyed thousands of homes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
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The futuristic-looking MBUX Hyperscreen is the dominant interior feature, encompassing the entire dashboard.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Muffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muffle. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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