as in to dilute
to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances
watered down the cocktails while jacking up their prices
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of water down
On the other hand, as part of its action plan for EU accession, Ukraine has a detailed to-do list of further reforms, and while several of these are already underway, there are growing concerns that the government may try to water down the agenda.
—
Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 29 Aug. 2025
The result is a smooth, more concentrated coffee that can be watered down or mixed with milk.
—Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025
But the free agent class ended up watered down with top guys re-signing (including target Brock Nelson with the Colorado Avalanche).
—Joe Smith, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
Polis also really wants to water down or delay new artificial intelligence regulations, which are set to take effect in February.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for water down
Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 29 Aug. 2025
The result is a smooth, more concentrated coffee that can be watered down or mixed with milk.
—Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025
But the free agent class ended up watered down with top guys re-signing (including target Brock Nelson with the Colorado Avalanche).
—Joe Smith, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
Polis also really wants to water down or delay new artificial intelligence regulations, which are set to take effect in February.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for water down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for water down
Verb
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Some of the erosion of credibility, young American Jews across the country tell me, stems from those who insist all criticism of Israel is antisemitic, diluting the term's power.—
Andrew Weinstein,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
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In his interview with CNN, Metzger said those measures could include the government stepping in to dilute space corporations’ equity or creating some sort of universal basic income.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In these long moments of waiting, the atmosphere is heavy and loaded.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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Passengers can walk on, bring bicycles, or even load up cars and campers.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As more success suddenly comes his way, McKinstry has remained the same, friendly and chuckling at his locker, dirtying his jersey and pestering opponents on the field.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
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Some were prosthetic buttocks, but others were people’s own buttocks, but in various states, like dirtied down and with partial covering.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Others have cut bills by a factor of five.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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Jobless claims hit their highest level since 2021 last week, adding to recent labor market revisions that have fueled confidence the Fed will cut rates in September.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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What To Know The annual $1 billion allocation comes from California's cap-and-invest program, which collects fees from polluting industries.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
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Farmers overapplying them in their fields can cause nitrogen-laden runoff that pollutes water and the air.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In pre-trial evidence released last month, Erin's ex-husband Simon also accused Erin of attempting to fatally poison him on multiple occasions, per the BBC.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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The patients allegedly poisoned were between the ages of 4 and 89, according to Le Monde.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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If exposed to an infected person, 90% of unvaccinated people will become infected.—
Judy Stone,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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Not everyone infected with TB gets symptoms, but those with active cases can suffer from a persistent cough, including coughing up blood or sputum, chest pain, fever, and fatigue.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Water down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/water%20down. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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