mute 1 of 3

Definition of mutenext

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The older two initially resist their parents’ appeals to immerse themselves in nature, but the youngest, who is mute, explores the area and finds a magical tree inhabited by a group of extraordinary characters. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 2 Apr. 2026 Ironically, clicking the mute control that sits atop the Light Mount's volume knob is notably louder than the rest of the buttons on the keyboard. Aubrey Jowers, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
The mutes, the dropouts, the sense that an idea had sprung from the artist’s chest, been scrambled into code, then reassembled in a fugue. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 8 Dec. 2025 Detwiler mutes or turns off the bodycam a few times throughout the arrest. Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 2 Dec. 2025
Verb
Plus, this muted green tone is earthy, grounded, and classy, pairing with anything from denim layers to crochet wedges. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026 His reaction was muted, lightly touching his finger to his right ear in a friendly response to the crowd. ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mute
Adjective
  • His friends, from brother Luigi (Charlie Day) to Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) veer in a similar direction, somehow coming across less fully formed and three-dimensional than their nearly speechless inspirations from Nintendo‘s flagship franchise.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • What do the Gen Z pout, influencer accent, silent scream say about young people?
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Republican leaders may have initially felt blindsided by the conflict, but most quickly either bent the knee or remained silent.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The justices recognized that Colorado had crossed a constitutional line by favoring one set of ideas while silencing another.
    Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Voyager 2's own LECP instrument was silenced in March 2025.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • He’s perched on the second floor above the courtyard, a few bustling parties muffled in the background.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Other symptoms include ringing, a sensation like something is stuck in the ears or conversations sounding muffled.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The château’s striking original facade somehow melds serendipitously with the contemporary interior, which exudes calm thanks to natural stone, fine woods, and muted fabrics throughout.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • For a more elevated take on the duo, Browning suggests a more muted approach.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While the last few days were mostly muggy with high dew points around 62 degrees Fahrenheit, putting a damper on potential wildfires, the next several days will see lower dew points, according to Royse.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Citronella Candles Don't let mosquitoes put a damper on your backyard plans this summer.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • To the point where Reid shushed him down at times.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Lyonne shushed the staffer, got up and headed to the bathroom, according to Page Six.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Winning tends to quiet most controversies, and the Patriots are unlikely to prioritize optics over results.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • While that quieted the noise for the timebeing back in late February, the process was just beginning for Aubrey ahead of free agency.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mute. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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