TONED (DOWN) Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

toned-down 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtōnd-ˈdau̇n

Definition of toned-down

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

toned (down)

2 of 2

verb

past tense of tone (down)

as in muffled

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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 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 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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for toned-down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for toned-down

Adjective

Even though Clinton’s remarks Saturday received muted response on cable news due to the heatwave and Trump’s excesses, online the former President deftly tapped into the shifts among Democrats for a more combative approach to curb MAGA.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 July 2026
Her bronzed makeup look consisted of taupe eyeshadow, black eyeliner, rosy cheeks, and a muted matte lip.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 3 July 2026

Definition of muted

Verb

Missing crucial orders because a voice is muffled, or struggling to pull out an emergency fire shelter because a mask is in the way, could be the difference between life and death.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Everything feels muffled, with such heavy carpeting.

— Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026

Definition of muffled

Adjective

When asked to run similar projections while modeling for factors such as return variability, family income and investor behavior, Morningstar showcases a more subdued picture of financial health for account holders at the same intervals.

— Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 3 July 2026
This look leans more subdued and boho with its all-black layers and accessories, but feel free to experiment with contrasting tones and more color for a bolder result.

— Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Definition of subdued

Adjective

What was once a quiet corner of the terminal – your reward for loyalty or a hefty annual fee – has turned into a cafeteria for the masses.

— Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Rather than succumb to the misery of its subject matter, Union County is about the quiet, tedious, and remarkable work that is getting and staying sober — the final product a testament to all that can be achieved.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 1 July 2026

Definition of quiet

Verb

But a 2021 law reduced his probationary term, and it was formally ended in November 2021.

— Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
The redesign reduced both size and weight while increasing transmit power, giving military units greater flexibility during deployments.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026

Definition of reduced

Adjective

Ossant describes the collection as combining sensual tailoring with fluid proportions and restrained transparency, creating an understated confidence that has become synonymous with Vaccarello's creative direction.

— Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
The joyous if relatively restrained gathering was the culmination of the riotous nationwide celebrations that had broken out on the evening of April 12, when the results of the parliamentary elections came in.

— Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026

Definition of restrained

Verb

Decades of declining violent crime have further blunted the public appetite for executions.

— Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
The White House’s Iran negotiations rely on the dollar’s leverage, but Tehran has blunted that weapon by using alternative financial architecture, The Wall Street Journal reported, including payments in yuan or cryptocurrency, and adopting a Chinese alternative to the Swift banking network.

— Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 24 June 2026

Definition of blunted

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toned-down

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“Toned-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toned-down. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of toned-down

adjective

verb

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