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
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Recent Examples of toned-down
Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Unsurprisingly, the first dedicated PV5 camper setup to officially hit the market is far more toned-down than the SEMA 2024 WKNDR all-terrain concept camper.
—New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026
Practicality Over Peacocking Across the fair, Fall 2026 collections seemed more toned-down than previous iterations of the tradeshow.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
If big and furry isn’t really your MO, a toned-down shearling jacket or toggle-closure coat might be right for you as a cozy alternative.
—Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2025
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
For her, that meant toned-down, muted pinks and mauve desert tones.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024
Adjective
The familiar threat landed as the US and South Korea announced that their own, possibly toned-down, military drills will return to the calendar next month.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Unsurprisingly, the first dedicated PV5 camper setup to officially hit the market is far more toned-down than the SEMA 2024 WKNDR all-terrain concept camper.
—New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026
Practicality Over Peacocking Across the fair, Fall 2026 collections seemed more toned-down than previous iterations of the tradeshow.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
If big and furry isn’t really your MO, a toned-down shearling jacket or toggle-closure coat might be right for you as a cozy alternative.
—Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2025
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
For her, that meant toned-down, muted pinks and mauve desert tones.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toned-down
Adjective
-
Almost all of her daytime choices are neutral tones — soft grays or muted colors, pinstriped wool blazers and soft charcoals.—
Gretta Monahan,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2026
-
Rooms were designed by Lowell and decorator Tiffany Vassilakis, featuring muted interiors, fireplaces and claw-foot tubs — closer in feel to a private country home than a traditional hotel.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Everything feels muffled, with such heavy carpeting.—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
-
Their replies are muffled by their hands blocking their mouths.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For a more subdued columbine, look to the ‘pink lantern’ varietal.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
26 Apr. 2026
-
So far, with real estate prices under pressure [in China], confidence in Chinese market remains subdued.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As a national icon, the Natural Bridge served as a quiet, Emersonian rebuke to Europe’s militaristic triumphal arches, reinforcing the naturalness of American democracy.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
This peaceful hotel feels like a library—warm, bookish, and sanctuary-like—though most guests congregate in quiet nooks between the hibiscus flowers, grapefruit trees, and pines that predate the property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Santa Fe burrito is a genuine pleasure—more restrained, built on a smaller scale, with green chile doing the complex, vegetal, low-burning work that other versions might leave to salsa—though, again, the tortilla serves its contents, rather than the hosannas going the other way.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
-
Plus, the more restrained growth of today still comes on top of a much larger business, the Zenith CEO pointed out.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Last year, the number of officers killed decreased, both in terms of officers killed as a result of felonious acts and those killed accidentally.—
Kenneth D. Robinson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
In addition, overall passenger numbers decreased 20% after Spirit exited a route, which indicates that rival airlines did not immediately step forward to fill the void.—
David Lyons,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Melissa Harmonic Petal Jelly Flip Flops feature bold floral decals that embrace the season’s blooms and add an understated standout to your footwear.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
1 May 2026
-
Most notably, the character never changes her makeup look, no matter the occasion—from the office to galas, her understated look remains consistent.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
While Himatsingka had to take down his viral Bournvita clip, following a growing public backlash the company reduced sugar content in its offering, according to local media reports.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
7 May 2026
-
In less than 24 hours, the deadly flames reduced the entire city to ash, displacing generations of families overnight.—
Samantha Stokes,
Essence,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toned-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toned-down. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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