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)
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2025
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
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
Verb
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
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
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
-
Here’s why Nonfarm payrolls rose by just 73,000 in July, below even the muted expectations.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
5 Aug. 2025
-
The situation changes over time, and so, in a more muted way, do the politics.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The bank also published a subdued note from chief economist Jan Hatzius that forecast U.S. GDP growth would be only 1% in the second half of the year.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Over the past three months, Trump has been engaged in multiple rounds of saber-rattling and often intense negotiations with U.S. trading partners that have jangled nerves but nonetheless coincided with a subdued but solid pace of economic growth.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Aston Villa have had a quiet summer, which has led to varying opinions on their floor and ceiling.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Sheridan House Inn Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, Sheridan House Inn offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort.—
Roger Naylor,
AZCentral.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Out went the restrained décor of previous administrations; in came gilt cherubs, Rococo mirrors, and medallions gleaming with theatrical flair.—
Lilah Ramzi,
Vogue,
3 Aug. 2025
-
But staying true to her restrained and edited style, Samuel keeps the fun in balance and tops it all with quick-dry cushions in a neutral hue.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Curiosity is an underestimated and understated leadership trait.—
Janine Schindler,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Tremayne has become a dark horse in the wideout competition because of his reliable hands and understated route running ability, and Young took advantage of both attributes on the deep toss.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The final amount could be affected by two factors — the number of claims and how much of the settlement fund is reduced to cover legal fees and costs.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Liver damage can be reduced if the person stops drinking.—
George Petras,
USA TODAY,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
This was no isolated outburst, but part of a broader effort to delegitimize conservative participation in academic life.—
Ilya Shapiro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The managers curate a mixture of funds with stocks and bonds inside the single large fund, shifting the balance to be more conservative as workers get closer to their target retirement year.—
Mark Dent,
HubSpot,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Lepers’s case study offers a test of whether the same is true in your 50s, or whether the body’s adaptive potential is so blunted that some of the losses become permanent.—
Alex Hutchinson,
Outside Online,
23 Dec. 2024
-
On a third day, exercising afterwards blunted my Lingo Count by a few points.—
Meg Tirrell,
CNN,
29 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Toned (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toned%20%28down%29. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share