toned-down 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtōnd-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce toned-down (audio)
Definition of toned-downnext
as in muted
not excessively showy after such a heated argument, it was a relief to hear someone use toned-down language to state their position

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

toned (down)

2 of 2

verb

past tense of tone (down)
as in muffled

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Dissimilar Words

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 toned-down
Adjective
The toned-down, minimalist coffee house opened on 21st Street in mid-October. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025 Ortega’s hair extensions were removed and her eye makeup was toned-down, which gave way to her effortlessly exhausted countenance. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2025 Its colorful striped pattern is toned-down ever so slightly by a pair of fashion flip-flops from Massimo Dutti and Haight’s chestnut-colored swimsuit. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 4 July 2024 Perhaps another reason is that, with the exception of a few suits, men’s looks at the Grammys largely were underwhelming, and that may have also been the result of wanting to look more toned-down out of respect for victims of the wildfires. — Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for toned-down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toned-down
  1. muted
  2. muffled
  3. subdued
  4. decreased
  5. quiet
  6. reduced
  7. restrained
  8. blunted
Adjective
  • Jolly’s stance is more muted than that of many Democrats who oppose Amendment 3.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than sticking to traditional off-white or ivory, the collection also includes muted shades like hay, hazelnut, and olive, giving sheer linen curtains a richer, more unexpected twist.
    — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of muted
Verb
  • Now the sound was muffled from the hunters as the dogs passed around a canebrake wall bordered by a dark bayou.
    — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Educational lectures at the aquarium and the sounds of traffic on the street both came through clearly, not remotely muffled.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 30 July 2026
Definition of muffled
Adjective
  • An uncharismatic leader is therefore more likely to appear restrained, flat, subdued, or low-energy.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • However, daylight will feel very subdued with a noticeable dimming.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • While gasoline demand has decreased, AAA says, citing data from the Energy Information Administration, supply and production also decreased.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • But while demand for the nifty two-seater has substantially decreased, the CX-5 has thrived.
    — James Raia, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of decreased
Adjective
  • The current resurgence of tennis necklaces reflects the rise of quiet luxury and a growing appetite for investment purchasing and dressing.
    — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Jung provides discreet, ever-changing services for powerful clients, solving problems with meticulous planning and quiet efficiency.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of quiet
Verb
  • That tariff rate was later reduced to 15% when the two sides agreed on a trade deal, but uncertainty remains about the stability of that agreement and how imports of certain European goods, such as steel, will be taxed by Washington.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Traffic on the critical waterway, through which one-fifth of global crude oil typically flows, has reduced to a trickle since the war started in February.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of reduced
Adjective
  • The formula is closer to reserved + low-energy + emotionally restrained + literal + technocratic + untheatrical + less visionary + less attention-seeking.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The man has been robbed, restrained and bound in Chicago before being taken to Harvey and left there, the news release said.
    — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of restrained
Verb
  • Exports flowing from Saudi ports have blunted some of the impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure.
    — Fatma Khaled, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Weary of seeing people pick their teeth with daggers, Cardinal Richelieu has knives blunted in royal France.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of blunted

Browse Nearby Words

tone
toned-down
toned (down)
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Cite this Entry

“Toned-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toned-down. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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