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
-
Here are a few takeaways from the sentencing hearing, including Heuermann’s muted statement, the heartfelt and emotional speeches from victims’ families and the next steps on the road to justice.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
Pair it with pale blues and garden greens to double up on muted hues, or embrace the cinnamon hue and layer it with earth tones.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
17 June 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
-
Color isn't absent from naturalistic gardens, but the palette tends to be tighter and more subdued.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 June 2026
-
All in all, Louis's hijinks were much more subdued than in previous years, however.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
13 June 2026
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.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
20 June 2026
-
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%.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
Prosecutors also alleged King fathered a child through an extra-marital affair and threatened the child’s mother to keep quiet.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 June 2026
-
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.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
In March, Tyler pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal that reduced his first-degree rape charge to a third-degree offense.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
-
The only exception came during the COVID years, when the schedule was temporarily reduced.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
At first, the fins were tasteful and restrained, adding jet-age glamour to post-war American cars.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
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.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
No air-conditioning, no insulation, its charm blunted by DIY additions, discount drywall, generations of putty and steel wool stuffed into varmint tunnels.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
-
But a series of recent court rulings has blunted Democratic momentum in the redistricting arms race.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toned-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toned-down. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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