watered-down 1 of 2

watered down

2 of 2

verb

past tense of water down

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
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 One All-Star phenomenon in the NBA’s Dunk Contest unarguably has been watered down due to the fact that simply the game’s stars don’t participate. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026 Because a lot of the wonderful stuff that was passed during that '63, '64 year in Congress, including the Civil Rights bill, they're being watered down for various reasons. Lynne Sullivan, The Providence Journal, 2 July 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watered-down
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
Verb
  • In Louisiana, where Black residents make up roughly one-third of the population, a federal court had found that a post-2020 congressional map with only one majority-Black district likely diluted Black voting power.
    Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Liquid fertilizers diluted in water and applied when watering are quick to supply nutrients to plants, but need to be reapplied more often.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • With men on first and second and two outs, the Braves intentionally walked Jackson Holliday, which loaded the bases and put the winning run in scoring position — but also forced catcher Sam Huff to bat.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • With the bases loaded, Keith—on what was his 29th birthday—faced a tough lefthanded pitcher in Bob McClure, who ironically was his childhood opponent in Little League back in the San Francisco area.
    New York Daily News, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • The nearly identical genomes suggest that the two people, who lived sometime between 1492 and 1631, were infected during the same outbreak or by the same strain that was circulating through the region at the time.
    Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 30 July 2026
  • Typhus symptoms develop one to two weeks after a person becomes infected, and can include fever, headache, body aches, chills, rash, nausea and vomiting.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • At the same time, the data shows, courts have severely cut the length of time many people are getting to prepare for complex immigration proceedings, from about six months to often just a little more than a month.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Using a paring knife, mark a smaller square inside each pastry square, leaving a 1/2 inch border (do not cut all the way through the dough).
    Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Watered-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watered-down. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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