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
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Recent Examples of toned-down
Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Its colorful striped pattern is toned-down ever so slightly by a pair of fashion flip-flops from Massimo Dutti and Haight’s chestnut-colored swimsuit.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 4 July 2024
For her, that meant toned-down, muted pinks and mauve desert tones.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Perhaps another reason is that, with the exception of a few suits, men’s looks at the Grammys largely were underwhelming, and that may have also been the result of wanting to look more toned-down out of respect for victims of the wildfires.
—Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Its colorful striped pattern is toned-down ever so slightly by a pair of fashion flip-flops from Massimo Dutti and Haight’s chestnut-colored swimsuit.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 4 July 2024
For her, that meant toned-down, muted pinks and mauve desert tones.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toned-down
Adjective
-
There was something hauntingly beautiful about them—soft, muted, delicate.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 May 2025
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The layered but muted colors express the fog of dizziness that can transform a modest family living room into a dreamlike space.—
Elly Fishman,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
While other noteworthy anniversaries of momentous events that have shaped the nation have often inspired documentaries and prime-time specials hosted by top news personalities, many TV news outlets are treating the Floyd anniversary with a more subdued tone.—
Greg Braxton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
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Steel prices in the U.S. have witnessed a declining trend due to subdued demand in the domestic market with weak manufacturing activities.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Illinois Set in the quiet prairie lands south of Chicago, this cemetery is one of the largest in the Midwest.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
22 May 2025
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Until this point, Gilgeous-Alexander has displayed a quiet form of leadership during his NBA career.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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An all-out self-deprecating ad could be warranted if the goal is to simply raise brand awareness, while a more restrained approach might be needed to avoid distraction if an ad includes technical details about a new product.—
Anton Naianzin,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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Plus, How to Use It In Your Home For pattern, using a rug with an oversized, neutral pattern keeps within a restrained palette but still creates visual interest.—
Eleni N. Gage,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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The shade is more understated than golden apricot, perfect for folks like me who typically brighten up for summer but want to get a little more playful by adding in some gentle red tones.—
Leah Prinzivalli,
Allure,
9 May 2025
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Haliburton was more understated, praising the rest of his teammates.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
7 May 2025
Verb
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O'Reilly said that the police department reduced the number of abuse complaints and use of Taser, which had been leading to costly lawsuits.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Detroit Free Press,
3 Jan. 2025
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Liver damage can be reduced if the person stops drinking.—
George Petras,
USA TODAY,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The blog post that Trump showed Ramaphosa during the White House meeting was published by American Thinker, a conservative online magazine, about conflict and racial tensions in South Africa and Congo.—
Stephanie Burnett,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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While conservative countries may enforce strict practices, Muslims in Western countries often do not.—
Caroline Love,
NPR,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Lepers’s case study offers a test of whether the same is true in your 50s, or whether the body’s adaptive potential is so blunted that some of the losses become permanent.—
Alex Hutchinson,
Outside Online,
23 Dec. 2024
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On a third day, exercising afterwards blunted my Lingo Count by a few points.—
Meg Tirrell,
CNN,
29 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Toned-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toned-down. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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