muted 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmyü-təd How to pronounce muted (audio)
Definition of mutednext
1
as in quieted
mostly or entirely without sound the muted cry of a frightened witness to a murder

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2
as in subdued
not excessively showy painted with muted colors

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3
as in silent
deliberately refraining from speech she was unexpectedly muted in the presence of her literary idol

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muted

2 of 2

verb

past tense of mute
1
as in shushed
to stop the noise or speech of muted the television while she was on the phone

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2
as in muffled
to deaden the sound of closing the windows muted the traffic noise so we could get to sleep

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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 muted
Adjective
Large tech companies like Microsoft and Meta have made some efforts to identify instances of AI manipulation but with only muted success. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2025 The color palette, inspired by Switzerland's seasons, includes muted greens and blues, invoking year-round mountain freshness. — Alexandra Cheney, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
Cooper’s passing game involvement has been relatively muted as well. — Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 Colors are muted and subtle, but brighter than on some rivals. — David Phelan, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for muted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muted
  1. subdued
  2. silent
  3. quiet
  4. restrained
  5. mute
  6. understated
  7. speechless
  8. repressed
Adjective
  • The Princess of Wales styled an Alexander McQueen coat in a subdued shade of green with Ralph Lauren over-the-knee boots.
    — Julia Teti, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Skewing your green selections toward a more earthy aesthetic will help set a more subdued tone that helps enhance your room’s overall design rather than trying to steal the show.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2025
Definition of subdued
Adjective
  • After several minutes the second officer came and, again, Pike kept silent.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The event will also include silent and live auctions, delicious food and drink, and joyous community, according to a news release.
    — Encinitas Advocate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • After a period of quiet, Adultery is Poison Pen’s debut commission.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
  • While a flurry of trades and new contracts marked an early start to free agency this week, the Chargers have stayed quiet.
    — Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • His restrained direction keeps the brothers in check and underpowered.
    — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The statement, written by lawmakers who are typically more restrained in their comments given their sensitive roles on security issues, contained some of the party’s most pointed criticism yet of Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk just hours before the president was to address a joint session of Congress.
    — Carl Hulse, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • Bluesky has also added a quicker way to mute accounts.
    — Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The defendants stood mute, meaning a not guilty plea would be entered on their behalf.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of mute
Adjective
  • Ball, known for her unparalleled comedic timing, brings her signature wit and warmth to Helen, while Fonda plays Frank with a gentle humor and understated charm, all in service of promoting the film’s post-war optimism about blending families and building new lives.
    — Travis Bean, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The picture is sultry and understated, almost like a Sade song in movie form, though in some ways that’s a liability.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of understated
Adjective
  • In helicopter video taken by Air Maui Helicopter Tours in Lahaina and posted online the people aboard are largely speechless.
    — Phil Helsel, NBC News, 10 Aug. 2023
  • Because his work, as is often the case, leaves us almost speechless.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2023
Definition of speechless
Adjective
  • Haunted by dark and disturbing memories from her past, Jeanine allows her repressed trauma to color the present as her personal and professional lives begin to unravel.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
  • But in the chaos of the post-revolution period and, especially, the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War, these groups were repressed.
    — Narges Mohammadi, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of repressed

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Cite this Entry

“Muted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muted. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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