as in dampers
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
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as in muffles
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
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Recent Examples of mutes
Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
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
Combined mode shows the total level for both inputs and mutes both at once.
—Phil Nickinson, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2025
New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The host mutes everyone upon entry.
—PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2025
Critics allege that Google’s dominance not only undermines traditional publishing revenues but mutes the diversity of online voices, accelerating the decline of the open, accessible web, just as Google admitted behind closed doors, in court.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
On a recent afternoon, the pair of mutes roamed the tiered backyard.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
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
Combined mode shows the total level for both inputs and mutes both at once.
—Phil Nickinson, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
Robinson is the favorite to start, which would mean Towns sliding over to power forward, which mutes some of his offensive superpowers.
—New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The host mutes everyone upon entry.
—PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2025
Critics allege that Google’s dominance not only undermines traditional publishing revenues but mutes the diversity of online voices, accelerating the decline of the open, accessible web, just as Google admitted behind closed doors, in court.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutes
Noun
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Other mechanical improvement includes a titanium exhaust system, four-way adjustable dampers with electronic damping control, and carbon-ceramic brakes.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
13 Feb. 2026
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Here, the Multimatic True Active Spool Valve dampers (TASV) pranced and pranged over bumps, dips and cracks.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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In Cuba, where vibrant streets hide daily struggles, the government silences its people and spreads trouble worldwide.—
Markus Wiechel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Dec. 2025
Verb
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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
Verb
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Add in ice cubes one at a time, and turn off the unit when the loud grinding quiets, after just a few seconds.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
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Safety Kam Curl, whose interception in overtime against the Bears set up the game-winning field goal, noted that the crowd in Seattle quiets when the Seahawks offense is on the field.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The top itself is an eight-layer cloth construction that satisfyingly hushes the cabin when raised.—
Brett Berk,
Robb Report,
3 Sep. 2025
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Autumn hushes the Codrii forest, where mushrooms push through damp soil and the air smells of woodsmoke and moss.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But even the happiest houseplants can lose their luster when a fine layer of dust settles across their leaves.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
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The individual eventually settles on some greenery found in the yard.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutes. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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