tone (down)

Definition of tone (down)next
See the Dictionary Definition 

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tone (down)
Verb
  • Yet expectations for the summit’s outcomes are muted, with both leaders facing setbacks at home and abroad that may limit their room to maneuver.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 13 May 2026
  • Personal consumption has been muted, wage growth below workers’ expectations and rising gasoline prices are hitting Americans’ wallets.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Across the country — and much of the Gulf — there is a palpable sense of pride in how the armed forces blunted the damage from thousands of Iranian missile and drone strikes.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 7 May 2026
  • Preclinical research shows long-term estrogen deprivation epigenetically silences BDNF in the hippocampus, blunting the brain’s response to exercise over time.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • As Eileen was illegitimate and a source of great shame for the family, her aunt tried to muffle signs of her presence.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 May 2026
  • Everything feels muffled, with such heavy carpeting.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • Scrutinizing his military background feels like the only way to dull the edge of this razor-sharp politician.
    Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2026
  • Absent the friction of putting thoughts into language, thinking dulls.
    Jamil Zaki, CNBC, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Earlier that year, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a sweeping climate change bill with an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030, 70% by 2040, and to achieve economy-wide net-zero levels by 2050.
    Krisztian Elcsics, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • Likewise, in building communities, there must be a priority on preserving green spaces, creating walkable neighborhoods to reduce traffic and car emissions, intentionally designating areas for wildlife habitats, and prioritizing quality of life through parks, trails, and conservation areas.
    Sammy Duda, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • For example, Social Security retirement benefits could decrease and pensions could stay the same.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 15 May 2026
  • As more time passes from the peak of the solar cycle, auroral activity will decrease.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Keep your region in mind as well, since these plants can do well in cold and damp winters.
    Jane Kim, The Spruce, 10 May 2026
  • Persistent leaks or damp areas Leaks are one of the most common causes of household mold.
    Ryan Brennan May 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Then wipe the top and bottom of each blade with a microfiber cloth dampened with all-purpose cleaner.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 May 2026
  • Later, Molo’s attempt at a gotcha was further dampened when Altman’s lawyer, Savitt, re-examined Altman.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tone (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tone%20%28down%29. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster