toning (down)

Definition of toning (down)next
present participle of tone (down)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for toning (down)
Verb
  • As Arizona squeezes more money from its decreasing share of river water, freighting every drop with critical industries and a booming housing market, the price of water is bound to keep climbing.
    Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The effect of climate change on traditional bear food sources, a steep population decline in rural areas, and the decreasing number of hunters have been cited as factors driving the rise in bear encounters.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Money floods into affected districts, muffling outrage precisely when constituents are most enraged.
    John J. Donohue, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The music, which ranges from Motown to '80s alternative, enlivens the room without muffling conversations.
    Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But earlier this week, a bipartisan group of senators worked to strike a compromise that could resurrect the enhanced ACA premium tax credits — potentially blunting the blow of rising monthly payments for Obamacare enrollees.
    Luke Garrett, NPR, 1 Jan. 2026
  • The shortfall stems from rising costs for the memory chips that go into computers, a jump which is blunting the benefits of a sales cycle for PCs.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Permeable pavers allow rainwater to soak into the ground, reducing flood risk, while offering an upscale look.
    Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Toning (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toning%20%28down%29. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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