"Muted reception" refers to a situation where something, like an idea or a message, is not welcomed or accepted enthusiastically. It means that the response or reaction is not very positive or energetic. Full definition
The audience I saw it with gave it a somewhat muted reception, the cause of which is easy to imagine. (theguardian.com)
The Grand Prix (widely perceived as the runners - up award) went to Reality, Matteo Garrone's satire on reality TV, which met with a far more muted reception from critics than Gomorrah, his mafia hit from 2008. (theguardian.com)
August is a busy month for many people, and that is perhaps as good an explanation as any for the somewhat muted reception to the Chrono Trigger Play - Along. (toucharcade.com)