mute 1 of 3

mute

2 of 3

noun

as in quieter
a device on a musical instrument that deadens or softens its tone I was practicing my trumpet at three in the morning when the mute fell out, and I managed to wake everyone up

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mute

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to silence
to stop the noise or speech of muted the television while she was on the phone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to muffle
to deaden the sound of closing the windows muted the traffic noise so we could get to sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mute
Adjective
That can help blunt their losses but also mute gains. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 25 May 2025 Penn starred as a jazz guitarist who falls in love with a mute woman, played by Samantha Morton. Zack Sharf, Variety, 13 May 2025
Noun
Idealizing the beauty of the bucolic landscape often minimizes the labor tied to it, and so Yu disrupts any sense of the natural world as mute and pleasant. Washington Post, 29 Sep. 2021 Lenin, too, suffered from manic rage and erratic behavior, and died in his early fifties confined to a wheelchair after multiple strokes left him mute and paralyzed. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2016
Verb
When the band drove to North Carolina to record a portion of the album, Rhein purchased a vintage quilt along the way and used it for acoustic paneling and muting the drum kit. Taylor Mims, Billboard, 23 June 2025 While recent inflation readings have been muted, Powell noted that more price increases are expected as a result of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, and the summer will be critical to determine the path forward. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mute
Adjective
  • In helicopter video taken by Air Maui Helicopter Tours in Lahaina and posted online the people aboard are largely speechless.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 10 Aug. 2023
  • Because his work, as is often the case, leaves us almost speechless.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • The silent standoff between the two dogs quickly gained traction online, racking up more than 257,000 likes and over 2.3 million views.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • Occidental Studios, which dates back to 1913, was once used by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks to make silent films.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • For Paul, the bout is another step in his attempt to silence the purists and reassert himself as more than a YouTube celebrity with gloves.
    Jad El Reda, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • Undermining it can silence voices, suppress creativity and heighten risk exposure, especially in cybersecurity and compliance-sensitive environments where early detection and reporting are critical to resilience and trust.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • As of February, staffers from DOGE had pushed top-ranking officials at the Department of Education out of their offices, rearranged the furniture and set up white noise machines to muffle their voices, according to employees at the agency.
    Lora Kolodny,Ari Levy, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Congressional push-back is inevitable, but the promise of tens of thousands of U.S. jobs can muffle many speeches.
    Guney Yildiz, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • The halter neckline, open back, and flowing fabric give it a breezy, resort-ready vibe—especially in the muted sage green.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
  • Natural light pours in through the windows, highlighting the soft textures and muted palette.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • In a right-hand corner, the electric pumps will increase pressure within the left-side dampers, which will push against the forces of physics to keep Panamera from heeling over too much or too quickly.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Hubble celebrates its 35th launch anniversary tomorrow (April 24), but there is a slight, yet tangible, damper in the air.
    Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The crowd had just spent an entire overtime shushing each other.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • But, when Lydia attempts to explain herself, Tina shushes her.
    Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Musk, the former head of the advisory Department of Government Efficiency, had quieted his harsh criticism of Trump and the legislation the week after his departure from government May 30.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • The Political Backlash None of that nuance has quieted the internet.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mute. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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