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
-
The château’s striking original facade somehow melds serendipitously with the contemporary interior, which exudes calm thanks to natural stone, fine woods, and muted fabrics throughout.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
For a more elevated take on the duo, Browning suggests a more muted approach.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
He’s perched on the second floor above the courtyard, a few bustling parties muffled in the background.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Other symptoms include ringing, a sensation like something is stuck in the ears or conversations sounding muffled.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For a more subdued columbine, look to the ‘pink lantern’ varietal.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
26 Apr. 2026
-
So far, with real estate prices under pressure [in China], confidence in Chinese market remains subdued.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Sources later confirmed to PEOPLE that Prince had a quiet history of using the prescription painkiller Percocet.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
After a mostly quiet game, Alexander-Walker had a critical steal late as the Hawks completed their stunning rally.—
Darnell Mayberry,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
To the left is a relaxed deck for post-dip chilling; to the right is the beautifully restrained restaurant, partly enclosed in a glasshouse with an undulating canopy roof.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Neither restrained nor overpowering.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Palestinian voter turnout has gradually decreased over the past elections.—
SAM METZ,
Arkansas Online,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The issue has broad effects, affecting not just the victim but families, co-workers and community while harming mental and physical health, causing decreased productivity and decreasing one’s quality of life.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ding has become known for his understated reactions and his small wave during introductions, which fans have begun copying at home.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The space feels more like a private residence than a hotel, decorated with pale limestone and white oak, along with sculptural moments that add understated drama.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Saudi Arabia’s government has reduced its reliance on oil revenue by introducing taxes and fees, but the kingdom’s ambitions have still grown faster than the new sources of revenue forcing the country to become more pragmatic, The New York Times’ Vivian Nereim reports.—
Alaa Shahine Salha,
semafor.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Images from the scene showed a part of a four-story building reduced to a massive pile of rubble, with emergency workers on top of it.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toned-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toned-down. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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