muted

[ myoo-tid ]

adjective

1. of low intensity and reduced volume; softened:

   She spoke in muted tones.

muted

/ ˈmjuːtɪd /

adjective

1. (of a sound or colour) softened

   a muted pink shirt

2. (of an emotion or action) subdued or restrained

   his response was muted

3. (of a musical instrument) being played while fitted with a mute

   muted trumpet

Other Words From

• muted·ly adverb
• un·muted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of muted¹

First recorded in 1860–65; mute + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Ukraine’s public reaction was positive but muted, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying any long-range missiles by Ukraine’s forces to take aim at Russia would “speak for themselves.”

From Los Angeles Times

Disney’s so-called experiences business, which includes the theme parks and merchandise, saw more muted growth in the fourth quarter due to inflation, cruise line expansion costs and softer results at international parks.

From Los Angeles Times

At Tuesday's public workout event, the reception for Taylor and Serrano was somewhat muted by a crowd made up almost exclusively of Paul and Tyson fans who came alive when the headliners entered the ring.

From BBC

In the Golden State, the nation’s most populous and economically mighty, Trump’s claimed mandate seemed muted, like a rumbling from elsewhere.

From Los Angeles Times

Amid the deluge of evidence of the harm, including research suggesting Texas’ legislation has increased infant and maternal deaths, some of the ban’s most prominent supporters have muted their public enthusiasm for it.

From Salon

Related Words

• delicate
• dim
• distant
• dull
• far-off
• gentle
• hazy
• inaudible
• mild
• muffled
• remote
• slight
• soft
• soothing
• stifled
• vague
• weak