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toning down

VERB

moderate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dampen dim mitigate modulate play down restrain soften temper

WEAK

chill out cloud darken deepen reduce shade sober soft-pedal subdue

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aggravate brighten irritate upset

WEAK

increase raise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Still, a generation of young Chinese raised on expectations of ever-increasing prosperity is quietly protesting by toning down their career ambitions and tuning out government calls to sacrifice for the national good.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Has he evolved since or is he simply toning down his language?

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2024

That means toning down ideology and emphasizing pragmatic ways to cooperate.

From Washington Times • Nov. 8, 2023

That suggests their bodies were toning down the production of this protein in response to being immobilized.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 12, 2023

A walk, too, that hinted at excess, as though it spoke of something in need of toning down.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie