mute 1 of 4

Definition of mutenext

mute

2 of 4

noun (1)

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 4

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

muteness

4 of 4

noun (2)

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
Nintendo has learned that the bounty hunter’s most affecting personality trait is remaining a mute goliath who handles nuisances — from chatty scientists to roaring monsters — with annoyed nonchalance. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2025 Getting tired of of the mute button, no romo. Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025
Noun
After accidentally starting a wildfire, 7-year-old Lu, mute and from an abusive home, slyly tricks Merribelle, a hardworking trans woman, into kidnapping her — sparking a beautifully unexpected bond with a devastating expiration date. Vulture, 12 Dec. 2022 After accidentally starting a wildfire, 7-year-old Lu, mute and from an abusive home, slyly tricks Merribelle, a hardworking trans woman, into kidnapping her – sparking a beautifully unexpected bond with a devastating expiration date. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2022
Verb
The 163-inch display introduces an industry-first four-primary RGBY MicroLED architecture, adding yellow to address a spectral gap between 500 and 600 nanometers that can mute color fidelity in conventional MicroLED panels. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026 Why this energy remains gravitationally muted still mystifies physicists. George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
Her media muteness gave her an icy cool, letting her work do the talking, both attributes that many luxury brands aspire to. Matteo Atti, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 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
  • As Jaclyn and Kate wax poetic about a dream vacation that never happened, Laurie’s weary, silent glances seem to tee up an explosive confrontation.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Tisdale refused to stay silent, and texted the group after being left behind on another plan.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Do not let the voices of my courageous compatriots be silenced.
    Tucker Reals, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Dan Piper, a teacher who spoke at the vigil, told those gathered that the federal officials are hoping to silence dissent.
    Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • This can be countered with skewed propeller blades to distribute pressure evenly, pump jets where a rotor is set inside a shroud to muffle noises, or low-RPM, high-torque designs to cut down on vibrations.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2025
  • Although the snow sometimes muffles the thunder, the lightning can be seen, said meteorologist Grant Gilmore, formerly of WFMY-TV in Greensboro, North Carolina.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • That snare sound is as instantly identifiable as Miles Davis’s muted horn or Eddie Van Halen’s pyrotechnic neck tapping.
    John Lingan, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
  • With an understated mix of blue and yellow tones that provide warmth but still feel muted.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In the clip, the then-6-year-old can be seen walking with his iPad to the next room and shushing everyone.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The View has a long history of guests receiving sustained standing ovations — and Goldberg attempting to shush rowdy audience members.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Maybe the mad dash to tariffs will be quieted some this year, only to be replaced by geopolitical turmoil, greatly impacting trade, and domestic economic chaos egged on by migrant raids, unemployment, affordability, Social Security, inflation and national debt.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
  • There are birds, their songs and calls rising to the surface when the traffic quiets.
    Emily Brindley, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • His commentary is equally free of snobbery and of attempts to dumb anything down.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • Even in highly specialized sectors like aerospace and defense, the best stories don’t dumb things down.
    Heather Rosenow, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mute. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on mute

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!