WATER (DOWN) Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

water down

verb

Definition of water down

as in to dilute

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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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 water 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 There was a 200-yard stretch of fast water down through a rocky neck where the water left the lake. — Marc Terziev, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026 However, the directives may not go far enough in requiring transparency around the cost of new data center connections, and may be watered down in practice, says Ari Peskoe, electricity policy researcher at Harvard Law School. — IEEE Spectrum, 24 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 See All Example Sentences for water down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for water down

Verb

Amid shrinking recognition, the Tibetan exile community also faces a brain drain to the West, where assimilation dilutes their culture.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026
Heavy defeats in key areas would further dilute the ANC’s power.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of dilute

Verb

So when Alex Vesia struggled against the Rockies in the eighth inning and Muncy suffered a throwing error, Colorado seemed in position to score with the bases loaded and one out.

— Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Mets star Juan Soto walked to load the bases; Bo Bichette followed with a sacrifice fly and Carson Benge hit an RBI single.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Definition of load

Verb

The spoon even comes with measuring lines for a teaspoon and tablespoon, saving you from having to dirty another utensil.

— Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
The zipper shoe compartment keeps your shoes from dirtying up your clothing, and the massive interior can hold many outfits for your weekend getaway.

— Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026

Definition of dirty

Verb

We’re paralyzed by whether a carbon-belching fossil fuel company’s right to pollute should outweigh the rest of the country’s right to clean air and a stable climate.

— Max Taves, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
Clara Benson, who is one of the founders of the No Big Bend Wall coalition, says bright lights in the area designed to illuminate the border could pollute the skies in an area renowned for having some of the best views of the stars.

— Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of pollute

Verb

Many of her victims were poisoned and buried around the boarding house, with Puente cashing their social security checks.

— Selome Hailu, Variety, 7 July 2026
Chism’s defense asked that the court not release the affidavit, citing there was no legitimate purpose to release at this time and that doing so could poison any future jury pool.

— Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026

Definition of poison

Verb

Orange and Los Angeles counties’ vector control districts say the number of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus is surging in the regions.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Some people who get infected may not get sick, while others will experience runny diarrhea and frequent, explosive bowel movements.

— Alice Park, Time, 8 July 2026

Definition of infect

Browse Nearby Words

watercrafts

water down

watered

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“Water down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/water%20down. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of water down

verb

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