tone down

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.

While the first day of their summit was light on concrete deals, the overarching take is that both countries are eager to tone down their economic rivalry.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

A longtime coach would have told him to tone down such commentary, but oh right: Alcaraz released his longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, a few weeks ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

Whatever happens, I don’t believe for a second that we’ll see Stewart back down, Meyers pull his punches in his “Closer Look” segments, or Kimmel tone down his monologues.

From Salon • Jul. 20, 2025

Candidates may tone down attacks and even form alliances with like-minded rivals, as progressives did in New York, to earn second-choice votes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2025

“You know, May’s not here. You can tone down the whole noble prince thing. Besides, you’re probably a bit more useful to them alive than dead.”

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley