muted

adjective

mut·​ed ˈmyü-təd 

1

a

: being mute : silent

b

: toned down : low-key, subdued

muted colors

muted voices

a muted response

2

: provided with or produced or modified by the use of a mute

mutedly adverb

Synonyms of muted

• quieted
• silent
• quiet
• hushed

Examples of muted in a Sentence

The artist chose colors that are dark and muted.

the muted sound of a distant trumpet

The government chose a more muted response to the threat.

Their proposal has drawn a muted reaction from most observers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Alerts can fail to reach people for reasons that seem ordinary in hindsight, such as muted channels or missed phone calls. —Judit Sharon, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

This year’s Cannes may not have been one for the record books, but even a muted version of the world’s glitziest and most revered film festival features plenty of stuff that’s worth knowing about. —Rachel Handler, Vulture, 26 May 2026

As for beauty, Ortega wore kept her hair center-parted with soft, subtle waves, paired with a smoky eye and a muted lip. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 24 May 2026

The rooms Rooms are decorated in a cool, muted Pacific Northwest palette—soft shades, brass accents, and heavy drapes that cut the light just right. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for muted

• booted
• fluted
• fruited
• hooted
• looted
• mooted
• rooted
• routed
• scooted
• suited
• commuted
• computed