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
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
Adjective
  • The company in 2020 pleaded guilty to distributing adulterated ice-cream products and agreed to pay a fine over the outbreak.
    Dylan Tokar, WSJ, 2 Feb. 2023
  • And while most of those overdoses involved the illicit synthetic opioid fentanyl, experts say that an adulterated and contaminated drug supply is also leading to deaths.
    Nadia Kounang, CNN, 17 Mar. 2022
Verb
  • The federal lawsuit, filed in September of 2024, alleged that the 2022 DeSoto County electoral map diluted Black voting power in county office elections.
    SIMEON GATES, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • In conversations about culture, creativity and innovation, Black American contributions are often celebrated while simultaneously being misunderstood, diluted or folded into broader categories that fail to acknowledge their distinct roots.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • During the last homestand, the day after the bottom of the order struck out consecutively with the bases loaded in what became a walk-off win against the Baltimore Orioles, Roberts called over Ryan Ward and Alex Freeland in the dugout during batting practice.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • Detroit, though, loaded the bases with one out in the third on a walk, Altuve's fielding error and a hit batter.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • If people do get infected, antiviral treatments like oseltamivir already exist and vaccines could follow if cases rise.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Most norovirus outbreaks occur when people who are already infected spread the virus to others by direct means, such as through sharing food or utensils.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The lineup already was revving, as Rushing homered in the second inning while Sasaki was still in the game, and both Kyle Tucker and Muncy drove in runs off starter Randy Vasquez in the third, cutting the deficit to two.
    Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Potential applications beyond wind energy The researchers believe the manufacturing approach could cut production costs for small wind turbines and help more people use lightweight renewable energy technology.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 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 5 Jul. 2026.

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