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
  • 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
Verb
  • Tolle allowed two runs, both on a homer from Teoscar Hernández, but stranded the bases loaded in an impressive second inning.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • By the time all was said and done, Prielipp had walked three, including one with the bases loaded, and had thrown 35 pitches.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • At the Elikya Ebola Treatment Center in Bunia, the nurse spends her days caring for patients infected with Ebola — one of the world’s deadliest viruses — administering medicine and assisting those too weak to feed themselves.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Most people infected with Salmonella suffer diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, starting 6 hours to 6 days after ingesting the bacteria, the CDC says.
    Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • However, a dangerous push to cut these crucial programs, especially in Africa, risks repeating past errors and ceding influence to competitors.
    James K. Glassman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Sears carried it wide, cut inside center-back Rafaelle, and fired past Moorhouse for the goal.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 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 9 Aug. 2026.

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