water down

verb

watered down; watering down; waters down

transitive verb

: to reduce or temper the force or effectiveness of

watered down the plan

watered-down

ˈwȯ-tərd-ˈdau̇n 

ˈwä-

adjective

Synonyms of water down

• dilute
• load
• dirty
• cut
• pollute
• poison
• infect

Examples of water down in a Sentence

watered down the cocktails while jacking up their prices

Recent Examples on the Web

His administration was filled with crypto-friendly people, who watered down regulations, prompting all sorts of investors to buy into the craze. —Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026

That language has been watered down to a study on the economic impact of such boundaries. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026

Unlike most hydroelectric plants, it is not located at the base of the dam, but carries water down about 1,000 feet in elevation to generate more water pressure and electricity. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 14 Feb. 2026

Whether the House’s restrictive approach prevails or is watered down in negotiations with the Senate could determine not only the future of the emergency fund but also how much unilateral spending power Florida’s governor retains as hurricane season looms over the coming year. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for water down

• chinatown
• tumbledown
• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown