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 What feels like a quick rinse actually sends gallons of water down the drain. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026 But Reeves and Starmer faced criticism for some of their fiscal policies, such as increasing National Insurance — a kind of tax on employment — for businesses, and watering down welfare reforms to appease backbench lawmakers. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 21 July 2026 At the same time, rising gasoline and power costs have watered down the party’s stance against fossil fuels. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 21 July 2026 The second problem is their plan lets Congress water down any commission recommendations. — Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 20 July 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
  • Once diluted, apply a small amount of the solution directly to the area that needs relief.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • However, this approach is not foolproof; editing, mixing with human text, or reprocessing by other AIs can dilute or remove the watermark.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of dilute
Verb
  • Similarly, loading up the XI for the opener away to Fulham with players who have enjoyed the benefits of a full pre-season makes sense, too.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Singles by Trout, Nolan Schanuel and Vaughn Grissom loaded the bases.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 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
  • Low-flow plumbing fixtures and water-saving showerheads cut water consumption, and LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances lower overall energy use.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Humanitarian aid to Afghanistan – which is needed by approximately 45% of the population – has been dramatically cut by international donors since the Taliban returned to power, with women and girls bearing the brunt of those cuts.
    — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of cut
Verb
  • Citizen suits, for example, have extracted millions from heavily polluting oil and gas operations, and ensured that lead pipes in Flint, Michigan, would be removed after its water crisis.
    — Michael Phillis, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Both of us need data centers to power our online research, but New York deserves data centers that are run responsibly, not that are allowed to pollute willy-nilly.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of pollute
Verb
  • The types of crimes weren’t spelled out, but imagine that a President, say, poisoned his estranged spouse and concealed the crime until after leaving the White House.
    — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Aegon refuses, so instead his own supporters poison him with wine.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of poison
Verb
  • The type that usually makes people sick isn’t the same type that usually infects dogs and cats.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The latest reports of rabid animals follows an incident in July in which a beaver infected with rabies bit a 13-year-old boy at Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland's Frederick County.
    — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 12 Aug. 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 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of water down for Spanish Speakers

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