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

"I used to be flashy, but now I had to tone down because of my dogs."

From BBC • May 31, 2025

He sucked languidly, one bone after another, and did not bother to tone down the slurpy sounds his mouth made.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie