1
as in speechless
unable to speak
the child is both deaf and mute because her hearing was lost at birth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in silent
deliberately refraining from speech
remained mute no matter how much we pleaded for an answer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
1
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
as in silence
incapacity for or restraint from speaking
we were baffled by his uncharacteristic muteness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mute
Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2026
When Hall proves too mute to debate, Kiritsis vents to a radio disc jockey named Fred (Colman Domingo), even though Fred is more interested in smooth tunes than hard news.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Phil Nickinson, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2025
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
Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026
Speeding was the second-most common reason for traffic stops, yet its growth in enforcement was muted compared to other infractions, according to the data.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2026
Matteo Atti, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mute
Adjective
The town council stepped in and two months after the Board of Education went mute, named the high school gym after Harris.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2026
When Hall proves too mute to debate, Kiritsis vents to a radio disc jockey named Fred (Colman Domingo), even though Fred is more interested in smooth tunes than hard news.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
Combined mode shows the total level for both inputs and mutes both at once.
—Phil Nickinson, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2025
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
Verb
Many Democratic lawmakers have called for a complete defunding of ICE, while centrists have kept their opinions on the subject muted.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026
Speeding was the second-most common reason for traffic stops, yet its growth in enforcement was muted compared to other infractions, according to the data.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 22 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
-
The 55-acre lot, once a silent-era movie site and later home to productions like Gilligan’s Island and Seinfeld, will be returned to lenders led by Goldman following months of unsuccessful modification talks.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
The Clippers responded with a 10-0 run to open a 103-91 lead as Doncic went silent, finishing the night with just three points in the final quarter.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The goal isn’t to silence voices, but to make sure the platform stays safe and sustainable for creators, viewers, and advertisers.—
Christopher DiLella,
CNBC,
26 Jan. 2026
-
There are high hopes for US biotech company Scribe Therapeutics' STX-1150 treatment, which epigenetically silences the PCSK9 gene in the liver to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Highway traffic may have muffled the sound of gunshots.—
Graham Womack
Updated January 15,
Sacbee.com,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Kubiak found that easy to navigate with a conservative game plan in the season finale at the 49ers with a rushing attack that had 39 attempts for 180 yards while the Seahawks’ defense was muffling the opposition.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While the would-be leaders of France and Germany issued sharp rebukes to Trump, the opposition in central and eastern Europe was more muted.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Henson’s makeup and hair complemented the theatricality of her attire, with her hair tossed in a high bun and the actress’ makeup featuring dramatic eyes and a muted lip.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Top sleep aid for kids This extremely popular sound machine uses an authentic human voice to calm babies to sleep with a calming, shushing sound.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Kempe then put a gloved finger to his lips, shushing the sixth consecutive sellout crowd in Anaheim.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The attachment system is scanning for danger, and the relationship is being used as a way to quiet that alarm.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
But the absence of a PPV price tag couldn’t quiet the roar of online discontent for what fight fans decried as a wild oversaturation of advertising content around and even during the fights.—
Chris Lee,
Vulture,
27 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
Cite this Entry
“Mute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mute. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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