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
Donalds has tried to defuse the issue by saying that SB 484, Florida’s watered down tech protection law, guarantees Floridians will never be hit with electricity rate hikes as a result of data centers. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 Ironically, the firmly conservative majority has watered down Roberts’s power. Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 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
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
  • Once diluted, apply a small amount of the solution directly to the area that needs relief.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Some products on the market contain up to 12% hydrogen peroxide — those must be diluted to avoid irritation or chemical burns.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • And sure as fate, three successive hits brought one run in, a walk loaded the bases, and the tying run came to the plate in the figure of Eli White.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Milwaukee ace Jacob Misiorowski held the Dodgers to five hits and struck out Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman with the bases loaded to help lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-1 win over the Dodgers.
    Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • With 15 cases documented so far this year, public health staff said the number of people infected with West Nile virus, half of whom live in the San Fernando Valley, outpaces the five-year average for this time period.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Less than 1% of people infected get very sick with long-term brain or nerve problems.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Since it was designated the first national recreation area in 1964, hordes of visitors have cut Lake Mead’s glassy surface with jet skis and boats, carelessly dropping belongings that may now wash up on shore.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • First, prep your sandwich with any fillings, then place it into the cutter to cut and seal in one step.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Watered-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watered-down. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster