as in diluting
to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances
watered down the cocktails while jacking up their prices
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Recent Examples of watering down
Asking for sportsbook revenue while simultaneously watering down the product and coddling rule-breakers with minor-league rehab is a terrible look.
—
Geoff Clark Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
These rules have already been subject to watering down proposals.
—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
But the most basic reforms seem to require years of discussion and back-and-forth and watering down.
—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
Dress the salad right before serving to prevent the melon and cucumbers from watering down the vinaigrette.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
23 May 2026
But watering down safe Republican seats in a tough year for the incumbent party, could backfire, some have predicted.
—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
Name, image and likeness money is pulling guys with borderline first-round grades back to school, which is watering down the top of each class.
—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Trump blinked, pausing and watering down many of those tariffs in response to extreme market pressure.
—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
On Wednesday, The Times reported that Bass was directly involved in watering down the city’s after-action report on the fire, citing unnamed sources.
—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Geoff Clark Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
These rules have already been subject to watering down proposals.
—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
But the most basic reforms seem to require years of discussion and back-and-forth and watering down.
—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
Dress the salad right before serving to prevent the melon and cucumbers from watering down the vinaigrette.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
23 May 2026
But watering down safe Republican seats in a tough year for the incumbent party, could backfire, some have predicted.
—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
Name, image and likeness money is pulling guys with borderline first-round grades back to school, which is watering down the top of each class.
—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Trump blinked, pausing and watering down many of those tariffs in response to extreme market pressure.
—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
On Wednesday, The Times reported that Bass was directly involved in watering down the city’s after-action report on the fire, citing unnamed sources.
—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watering down
Verb
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Han credits the international team with sharpening his instincts rather than diluting them.
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When that foundation is in place, brands can respond market by market without fragmenting the organization or diluting the brand experience.
Verb
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Cihlar recommends beginners avoid loading up too soon, while men who are already regularly active and lift weights can typically handle a 20- or 30-pound plate from the start.
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How to Start Rucking Safely Experts recommend conditioning the body before loading up a pack, especially for men over 40 returning to exercise.
Verb
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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.
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The Rockets essentially dumped Finney-Smith in a cost-cutting move after making some free agent transactions, notably signing guard Marcus Smart, and surrendered three second-rounders to the Hornets to seal the deal.
Verb
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The solution is to support federal and state legislation that encourages lower-cost, less-polluting renewable energy to speed up the transition away from environmentally damaging fossil fuels.
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Plastics degrade into microplastics, which in humans have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and other health issues, and which are polluting ecosystems from coral reefs to Antarctica.
Verb
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Anyone taking blood-thinning medications or living with an immune disorder should consult a healthcare professional before using reishi, because the mushroom may interact with certain medications.
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Iqnatural Jamaican Black Castor Oil, my go-to for filling in my thinning edges, is on sale for $10 during Amazon Prime Day.
Verb
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Hendra virus typically passes from bats to horses before occasionally infecting humans.
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And now, a new surge of toxicity is infecting modern masculinity.
Verb
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One of Robinson's attorneys, Kathryn Nester, also represented Kouri Richins, who was convicted of poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, in March 2022.
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Lewis was accused of poisoning two white female housemates, assaulted by a white mob in response to the charge, and acquitted in court, only to then be accused of stealing art supplies and prohibited from reënrolling.
Cite this Entry
“Watering down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watering%20down. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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