muted

1. 1
   adjective

   Soft and quiet in sound, not loud or sharp.

   Like turning a radio down low until it almost fades away.

   The television played at a muted volume so the baby could sleep.

   They spoke in muted voices while the lecture went on.

   Similarmuffled, soft, faint, quiet, subdued

   Oppositeloud, harsh, strident

2. 2
   adjective

   Held back and not shown in a strong or open way.

   Like clapping softly instead of cheering out loud.

   She gave a muted reply, clearly trying not to start an argument.

   Their happiness felt muted because the good news came too late.

   Similarsubdued, restrained, understated, tepid, lukewarm

   Oppositeenthusiastic, open, outspoken

3. 3
   adjective

   Soft and gentle, not bright or strong.

   Like colors seen through a thin morning fog.

   She painted the bedroom in muted shades of gray and beige.

   The old photo had a muted, washed-out look.

   Similarsubdued, soft, subtle

   Oppositebright, vivid, bold, garish

4. 4
   verb

   Past tense and past participle of mute. Use this form when the action already happened.

   She muted her phone before the meeting started.

   The heavy snow muted every sound in the little town.

   Note

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