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 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

Adjective

In true Brooklinen fashion, there are a few distinct hues to choose from, including muted and vibrant colors.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2026
In Scotland, as well as Ireland and Sweden, functional dressing in practical, muted palettes of natural textures for cold, wind, and rain is a part of everyday fashion.

— Andrea Bussell, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of muted

Verb

The sullen tribute to Payne settled the room into a cool near-silence, punctured by quiet gasps and muffled crying.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2026
The generational distance that has muffled the pain of 2001 is also seen in California’s varied educational approach.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of muffled

Adjective

Oddly enough, her two Best Actress plays are both black-and-white, European period pieces, but while Rose is full of gender-bending swagger, Fatherland is a more subdued performance.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Making waves across industries like fashion, beauty, and even interior design, the sensual shade feels more subdued and high-end than alternative reds while being easy to style in the cold-weather months.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of subdued

Verb

In Iowa, for example, MercyOne Clinton Medical Center ended labor and delivery services earlier this year, citing decreased Medicaid funding as part of the reason.

— Rachel Cohen Booth, Vox, 30 Oct. 2026
Their systolic and diastolic blood pressure (which measures pressure when the heart relaxes) both decreased.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of decreased

Verb

Then beef stock and heavy cream are added, and the sauce is reduced heavily.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
By controlling how densely cancer-targeting proteins are displayed on the virus, the team developed vaccine particles that significantly reduced tumor development in mice.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of reduced

Adjective

His answer was a restrained yet expressive material palette, anchored by rich walnut millwork and reflective surfaces that tie the rooms together.

— Nicole Gates Anderson, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2026
Dishes quickly crowded the table, each showing the restrained elegance of that region’s cuisine.

— Christopher Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of restrained

Verb

Modern interceptor missile technology has advanced to the point where even massive, multi-tiered attacks can be blunted with a high degree of probability.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
The tension of Noah’s character, which Lanterns presents as a parallel to John’s, is immediately blunted by the show’s need to soften and resolve everything left uncertain in John’s.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of blunted

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tone

toned-down

toned (down)

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Style

“Toned-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toned-down. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of toned-down

adjective

verb

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