What is the opposite of “loud”?

What is the antonym of “loud”?

The antonyms of loud are quiet, soft, and muted. The antonyms quiet, soft, and muted convey a low or reduced volume of sound. It implies a lack of noise, disturbance, or commotion.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

quiet

Making little or no noise; almost silent.

Example

The library is a quiet place where people come to read and study in peace.

soft

Gentle or mild in sound; not loud or harsh.

Example

She spoke in a soft voice so as not to wake up the baby who was sleeping in the next room.

muted

Reduced in volume, intensity, or strength; softened or toned down.

Example

The artist used muted colors to create a subtle and understated effect in his painting.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Quiet describes a state of almost complete silence, while soft refers to a gentle or mild sound.
• 2. Soft is a gradable antonym that can be used to describe sounds that are not necessarily quiet, while muted is a relational antonym that implies a reduction in volume or intensity.
• 3. Muted can also be used to describe colors that are less bright or intense than usual.

Good things to know

• 1. Describing Sounds: Use quiet, soft, and muted to describe different levels of volume and intensity in sounds.
• 2. Creating Atmosphere: Incorporate these antonyms in writing to create a specific mood or atmosphere.
• 3. Expressing Preferences: Use these antonyms to express your preferences for different types of sounds or environments.

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Remember this!

The antonyms have distinct nuances: Quiet conveys almost complete silence, soft denotes a gentle or mild sound, and muted implies a reduction in volume or intensity. Use these words to describe sounds, create atmosphere in writing, and express preferences for different types of sounds or environments.