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
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
  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
  • The lawsuit alleged that Keller’s at-large voting system diluted minority votes in school board elections.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2026
  • These factors raise the odds that the current push will be slowed, diluted, or forced into hybrid language.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of diluted
Verb
  • Detroit reliever Drew Sommers loaded the bases with one out in the eighth, but Devers hit into a double play.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • And then as his outing unfolded, and he was challenged there in his second inning with the bases loaded.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of loaded
Verb
  • At the time Newman was infected in North Carolina with Lyme, the disease was believed to be largely limited to the Northeast.
    — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 13 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 infected
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

Browse Nearby Words

watered
watered-down
watered down
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Cite this Entry

“Watered-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watered-down. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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