toned-down 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtōnd-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce toned-down (audio)
Definition of toned-downnext
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

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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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Dissimilar Words

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
  1. muted
  2. muffled
  3. subdued
  4. decreased
  5. quiet
  6. reduced
  7. restrained
  8. blunted
Adjective
  • Instead of the pops of yellow included in the original design, Stone’s NYFF look went with muted grays and beiges.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • With the crowd on its feet still hoping for a comeback, pinch-hitter Gavin Sheets struck out to end it and the Brewers had a muted celebration on the field.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of muted
Verb
  • 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
  • Things between David and the other characters are awkward and muffled rather than climactic.
    — Emma Alpern, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of muffled
Adjective
  • While the brown is a more subdued hue, Aquazzura currently offers the style in metallic gold and pink for $1,085.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In one voting center in Sao Paulo, the energy was more subdued than four years ago, when Lula beat the senator’s father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • Deaths from the virus have decreased by 36% in the past decade.
    — Philip A. Chan, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Penalties of $3,400 issued the same month against the town of Brentwood were decreased to $2,600 after a settlement.
    — William J. Ford, Baltimore Sun, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of decreased
Adjective
  • Residents enjoy a Jack Nicklaus Signature 18-hole golf course, miles of hiking and biking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, and endless opportunities on Lake Keowee, including boating, swimming, or simply quiet moments on the water.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
  • His wife Ajin, 32, sets out to win compensation but runs into a system that thrives on exploiting people and keeping them quiet.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of quiet
Verb
  • Bassam Abed said at least 10 residences housing some 300 families were reduced to rubble, and families were not given enough time to flee.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
  • That night’s show was reduced from 29 to 19 songs, between the concert running late from the interruption and Toomey likely not being able to duplicate Castronovo’s lead singing moments as well as his drumming.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of reduced
Adjective
  • Either way, Rahimi balances the character’s clear vulnerability with just enough ambiguity about his plans for the school, accentuated through Majidi’s restrained and naturalistic approach.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • While the look nods to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy with its restrained elegance, the final product is decidedly Giulia’s own.
    — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of restrained
Verb
  • 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
  • Know More There’s plenty of history to look back on for House Democrats who worry that a favorable political climate could get blunted by last-minute GOP spending.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of blunted

Browse Nearby Words

tone
toned-down
toned (down)
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Cite this Entry

“Toned-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toned-down. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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