watered-down 1 of 2

adjective

as in adulterated

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watered down

2 of 2

verb

past tense of water down
as in diluted
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

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 watered-down
Adjective
In the decades since, silencing of even that watered-down (if in some ways more accurate) term has been linked to fossil fuel companies suppressing science to boost profits. — Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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 But there may be more hoops to jump through to qualify for the pre-order deal, or it may be watered down, Lanzuk claims. — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 But consumer advocates watch with dismay as some of those ideas are gutted or watered down. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 21 June 2026 The bill was watered down after its sponsors, under pressure from the gambling companies and their lobbyists, struck a provision that would have banned all proposition bets. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026 Three federal health employees later told me political appointees had watered down the original language. — CNN Money, 14 June 2026 Three federal health employees later told me political appointees had watered down the original language. — Annie Waldman, ProPublica, 9 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watered-down
  1. adulterated
  2. diluted
  3. loaded
  4. infected
  5. cut
Adjective
  • Navarro, who pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy in August, was sentenced Friday in Manhattan by federal Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil for being part of a conspiracy to distribute and administer adulterated and misbranded drugs for racehorses.
    — Stephen Edelson, The Courier-Journal, 18 Dec. 2021
Definition of adulterated
Verb
  • Little to no ice is needed in this case, so the drink isn’t diluted; instead, it’s packed with fruit flavor.
    — Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 July 2026
  • By the time everything converges, the original opportunity has been diluted by handoffs rather than sharpened through genuine collaboration.
    — Manmit Shrimali, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of diluted
Verb
  • The implosion came in the third inning when Manaea loaded the bases with two outs, with the Mets already down 1-0.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
  • Webb allowed three straight singles following McCarthy’s homer, then walked a batter with the bases loaded to gift the Rockies their second run.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Definition of loaded
Verb
  • People become infected with the illness by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with the parasite — the infection is not transmitted from person to person.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Once infected, a person usually begins experiencing symptoms about a week later, though onset can range from two days to over two weeks.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026
Definition of infected
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

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Cite this Entry

“Watered-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watered-down. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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