as in muted
not excessively showy
after such a heated argument, it was a relief to hear someone use toned-down language to state their position
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 toned-down
Will Ripley,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Unsurprisingly, the first dedicated PV5 camper setup to officially hit the market is far more toned-down than the SEMA 2024 WKNDR all-terrain concept camper.
—
New Atlas,
13 Feb. 2026
Practicality Over Peacocking Across the fair, Fall 2026 collections seemed more toned-down than previous iterations of the tradeshow.
—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
18 Jan. 2026
If big and furry isn’t really your MO, a toned-down shearling jacket or toggle-closure coat might be right for you as a cozy alternative.
—
Bianca Kratky,
Glamour,
24 Nov. 2025
Ortega’s hair extensions were removed and her eye makeup was toned-down, which gave way to her effortlessly exhausted countenance.
—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
The familiar threat landed as the US and South Korea announced that their own, possibly toned-down, military drills will return to the calendar next month.
—
Will Ripley,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Unsurprisingly, the first dedicated PV5 camper setup to officially hit the market is far more toned-down than the SEMA 2024 WKNDR all-terrain concept camper.
—
New Atlas,
13 Feb. 2026
Practicality Over Peacocking Across the fair, Fall 2026 collections seemed more toned-down than previous iterations of the tradeshow.
—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
18 Jan. 2026
If big and furry isn’t really your MO, a toned-down shearling jacket or toggle-closure coat might be right for you as a cozy alternative.
—
Bianca Kratky,
Glamour,
24 Nov. 2025
Ortega’s hair extensions were removed and her eye makeup was toned-down, which gave way to her effortlessly exhausted countenance.
—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toned-down
Adjective
-
Even though Clinton’s remarks Saturday received muted response on cable news due to the heatwave and Trump’s excesses, online the former President deftly tapped into the shifts among Democrats for a more combative approach to curb MAGA.
-
Her bronzed makeup look consisted of taupe eyeshadow, black eyeliner, rosy cheeks, and a muted matte lip.
Verb
-
Missing crucial orders because a voice is muffled, or struggling to pull out an emergency fire shelter because a mask is in the way, could be the difference between life and death.
-
Everything feels muffled, with such heavy carpeting.
Adjective
-
Color isn't absent from naturalistic gardens, but the palette tends to be tighter and more subdued.
-
All in all, Louis's hijinks were much more subdued than in previous years, however.
Verb
-
Only two items tracked by the Farm Bureau decreased in price in 2026.
-
Procurement and Obsolescence Savings At one company, obsolescence in both raw materials and finished goods decreased by 30%.
Adjective
-
What was once a quiet corner of the terminal – your reward for loyalty or a hefty annual fee – has turned into a cafeteria for the masses.
-
Rather than succumb to the misery of its subject matter, Union County is about the quiet, tedious, and remarkable work that is getting and staying sober — the final product a testament to all that can be achieved.
Verb
-
Data indicates declining trust in managers and reduced interest in leadership among younger generations.
-
Each union agreed to slightly different terms for how long the leave programs are in place and by how much salaries were reduced.
Adjective
-
Since joining the winery, Melton has brought a restrained, classical sensibility to wines known for an ability to age.
-
The world press was less restrained; the Post, the Daily Mail, the Hindustan Times, and many others ran screaming headlines, accompanied by photographs of the climbers purloined from social media.
Verb
-
Decades of declining violent crime have further blunted the public appetite for executions.
-
The White House’s Iran negotiations rely on the dollar’s leverage, but Tehran has blunted that weapon by using alternative financial architecture, The Wall Street Journal reported, including payments in yuan or cryptocurrency, and adopting a Chinese alternative to the Swift banking network.
Cite this Entry
“Toned-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toned-down. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
