1.   Economists predicted Tuesday that the California economy would slow down next year but said the effect would be muted by economic diversification.

2.   The enthusiasm for Adkisson was real, the effect perhaps muted.

3.   The funeral director eventually hung a veil over the open casket to mute the effect.

4.   Espresso also contains cafestol, though the effect is muted by the smaller amounts typically served, the study found.