water down

verb

Definition of water downnext
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

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 water down Critics argue the language was watered down during negotiations and intense lobbying from the platforms, reducing its impact on the biggest players. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 Most experts recommend a solution of watered down rubbing alcohol as an effective and safe stain remover for quartz countertops. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 29 June 2026 The field would be watered down, the traditionalists protested. — Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026 Asking for sportsbook revenue while simultaneously watering down the product and coddling rule-breakers with minor-league rehab is a terrible look. — Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for water down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for water down
  1. dilute
  2. load
  3. dirty
  4. cut
  5. pollute
  6. poison
  7. infect
Verb
  • Amid shrinking recognition, the Tibetan exile community also faces a brain drain to the West, where assimilation dilutes their culture.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026
  • Heavy defeats in key areas would further dilute the ANC’s power.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of dilute
Verb
  • So when Alex Vesia struggled against the Rockies in the eighth inning and Muncy suffered a throwing error, Colorado seemed in position to score with the bases loaded and one out.
    — Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Mets star Juan Soto walked to load the bases; Bo Bichette followed with a sacrifice fly and Carson Benge hit an RBI single.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Definition of load
Verb
  • Satisfy your lasagna craving without dirtying up a pile of dishes.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
  • The zipper shoe compartment keeps your shoes from dirtying up your clothing, and the massive interior can hold many outfits for your weekend getaway.
    — Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of dirty
Verb
  • But hotels in Miami or Fort Lauderdale aren’t as desperate now to cut them.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
  • Clean larger produce, like melons, with a brush and cut away any bruised or damaged portions.
    — Alex Nettles, AJC.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of cut
Verb
  • We’re paralyzed by whether a carbon-belching fossil fuel company’s right to pollute should outweigh the rest of the country’s right to clean air and a stable climate.
    — Max Taves, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
  • Clara Benson, who is one of the founders of the No Big Bend Wall coalition, says bright lights in the area designed to illuminate the border could pollute the skies in an area renowned for having some of the best views of the stars.
    — Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of pollute
Verb
  • Not knowing she’d been poisoned and that it was related to Russian espionage, Rowley decided to run a few errands before joining her there.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Michael seemed to be saying that by admitting her dishonesty, Ethel would have ruined their childhood and poisoned any prospect of a future relationship with her.
    — Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Definition of poison
Verb
  • How can you get infected by cyclosporiasis You can get infected by cyclosporiasis by eating food or drinking water that has the parasite cyclospora, according to the CDC.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
  • The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces.
    — Mike Stobbe, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Definition of infect

Browse Nearby Words

watercrafts
water down
watered
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Cite this Entry

“Water down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/water%20down. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of water down for Spanish Speakers

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