muted

American  

[myoo-tid] / ˈmyu tɪd /

adjective

1. of low intensity and reduced volume; softened.

   She spoke in muted tones.

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muted British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• mutedly adverb
• unmuted adjective

Etymology

Origin of muted

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

Example Sentences

In this triptych, Marat’s martyrdom is a muted centerpiece between grand hope and grander disaster.

From The Wall Street Journal

He thinks the pieces are there for bull market to continue in 2026 thanks to a growing economy, improving earnings, and a friendlier central bank, though gains may be more muted than in recent years.

From Barron's

"I was muted on the call and not allowed to speak or voice my opposition to this move."

From BBC

Market reaction was muted as investors had been anticipating rising issuance.

From MarketWatch

While there’s Thursday’s inflation report to watch out for, concerns about rising prices should be muted with oil prices hovering near four-year lows and the tariff shock seemingly passed.

From Barron's

Related Words

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