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
-
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
-
Nearly everyone who has died is believed to be 65 years old or older, because of their more limited ability to cool themselves down due to poor blood flow and decreased ability to sweat.
-
According to the Office of the State's Attorney for Harford County, Gaeta drove 371 feet during those 5 seconds and only decreased speed from 53mph to 47mph.
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
-
The officers and Martin struggle briefly and then he is physically restrained face down.
-
The officers and Martin struggle briefly and then he is physically restrained face down.
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 29 Jun. 2026.
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