MUFFLED Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

muffled 1 of 2

adjective

as in muted

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Dissimilar Words

muffled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of muffle

as in stifled

to deaden the sound of the walls muffled their conversation so that only a low murmur was heard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wrapped

to surround or cover closely the airport had been muffled in fog all morning long

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 muffled

Adjective

Like all my feelings are muffled music playing underwater, not erased, but quieter, harder to reach. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 The bear had sought refuge in it, and as the houndsman and his friends pulled up in sight of it, the muffled squeals of the dogs, which had instantly followed the bear in, told the men that the pack was getting smaller every minute. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026 The video’s moodiness subtly underscores the fact that the lion’s share of these tracks are built on one muffled breakbeat, which tolls like clockwork across the LP. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026 Barreto’s muffled voice is heard responding. — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 28 June 2026 From the pig trailer came a bang, followed by a muffled squeal. — Will MacKin, New Yorker, 28 June 2026 The company warns, in the muffled prose of a risk factor, that a credit downgrade could push up its borrowing costs and even change the terms of its data-center leases. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Rain hammered Independence Boulevard hard enough to blur the windshield, and the voice taking my order came through muffled and distant, though no more confusing than a late-night order at Cook Out. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026 But a patient pugilist values the muffled thud of shots to the resolve. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 5 May 2026

Verb

Now the sound was muffled from the hunters as the dogs passed around a canebrake wall bordered by a dark bayou. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026 Educational lectures at the aquarium and the sounds of traffic on the street both came through clearly, not remotely muffled. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 30 July 2026 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. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Everything feels muffled, with such heavy carpeting. — Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026 Their replies are muffled by their hands blocking their mouths. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026 He’s perched on the second floor above the courtyard, a few bustling parties muffled in the background. — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026 Other symptoms include ringing, a sensation like something is stuck in the ears or conversations sounding muffled. — ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026 While Hazel Avenue is a busy street, traffic cannot be heard from inside the house and is muffled in the front yard. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for muffled

Adjective

Overnight, the British market's reaction to Keir Starmer's resignation remained relatively muted.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Featuring warm neutrals, earthy tones, muted pinks, clay hues, and airy blues, the palette includes shades inspired by nature—from sandy beaches to golden autumn leaves.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of muted

Verb

Youri Tielemans and Santos, United’s new midfield partnership, were hooked on 67 minutes, showing the extent to which Hull had stifled them.

— Liam Tharme, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Washington also seemed to open up the playbook, with downfield passing concepts that confused Miami defensive backs and pressure packages that stifled the Dolphins offensive line.

— David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of stifled

Verb

Each piece of yuca (cut like a large fry) is wrapped in bacon and fried until the outside is crispy and golden while the center remains soft.

— Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
On Saturday, Bueckers was at a Costco on Arbrook Boulevard, with fans of all ages wrapped around several aisles lining up to get an autograph and a picture with the star.

— Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of wrapped

Adjective

Add the softened butter a few tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Problems surged in 2020, after sweeping criminal justice reforms led by Capitol Hill’s Ward 6 Councilman Charles Allen, who spearheaded softened penalties for crimes.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of softened

Verb

For most people, the inside of the Salt Lake Temple has long been shrouded in secrecy, fueling both curiosity and criticism.

— Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
The Haitian community in Salisbury is now shrouded by fear of further ICE operations but still determined to fight for change, local immigration lawyer Kenson Raymond said.

— Nathan Lee, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of shrouded

Adjective

The smell of freshly ground espresso and incense fills the air, and staff speak to patients in hushed, discreet tones, almost as if discussing state secrets.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
There was a buzz of excitement, but a hushed atmosphere with post-practice interviews and a Burrow news conference unfolding.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of hushed

Verb

Tiny fuel for demanding missions TRISO, or tristructural isotropic particle fuel, consists of small fuel particles enclosed in multiple protective layers.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
From the charming exterior and enclosed sunporch to the lovely woodwork throughout its 2,500-square-foot interior, what’s not to love?

— Rachel Freundt, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of enclosed

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muffle

muffled

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Style

“Muffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muffled. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of muffled

adjective

verb

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