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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
-
Facing declining retail sales and a muted 618 shopping festival, Beijing seeks to integrate AI across consumer electronics, home appliances, wearables, retail, tourism, health, and elder care.
-
PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Tyson Foods, Kellogg's, Campbell's, Coca-Cola, Nestle and Hershey are among other big-name companies that have pledged to or already phased out certain dyes, in some cases giving us the more muted versions of snacks like Doritos, Cheetos and Trix cereal.
Verb
-
Everything feels muffled, with such heavy carpeting.
-
Their replies are muffled by their hands blocking their mouths.
Adjective
-
Color isn't absent from naturalistic gardens, but the palette tends to be tighter and more subdued.
-
All in all, Louis's hijinks were much more subdued than in previous years, however.
Verb
-
In March, a nurse assessed Parias for complaints of increasing pain, and the nurse noted decreased mobility, prompting the nurse to submit a referral for an orthopedic evaluation, as well as additional medications.
-
This year, a census report compiled by Nutmeg Consulting found that the homeless sheltered population increased by around 17%, while the number of people living outside decreased by almost 50%.
Adjective
-
Prosecutors also alleged King fathered a child through an extra-marital affair and threatened the child’s mother to keep quiet.
-
But he is viewed by Labour supporters as a more effective, optimistic and plain-speaking communicator than Starmer, who's quiet, lawyerly manner has consistently failed to connect with the public's national mood.
Verb
-
Among them, a large waterfront hotel in the city of Macuto, which has been reduced to rubble.
-
That matters because decades of research link heavy social media use to anxiety, lower self-esteem and reduced well-being.
Adjective
-
At first, the fins were tasteful and restrained, adding jet-age glamour to post-war American cars.
-
Material choices are homey and restrained—soft woods, neutral fabrics, and sculptural artwork chosen during frequent meetings between the designers and clients—creating a quieter, more private atmosphere than the communal areas elsewhere onboard.
Verb
-
No air-conditioning, no insulation, its charm blunted by DIY additions, discount drywall, generations of putty and steel wool stuffed into varmint tunnels.
-
But a series of recent court rulings has blunted Democratic momentum in the redistricting arms race.
Cite this Entry
“Toned-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toned-down. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
