water 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.

Bass repeatedly has denied she was involved in any effort to water down the after-action report, which was meant to spell out mistakes in the Palisades fire response and suggest measures to avoid repeating them.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

The proposals could face a backlash from campaign groups who fear they could water down the legal rights of children.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Both Berlin and Italy also helped pressure the EU to water down its 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars -- a decision again opposed, unsuccessfully, by France.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

The chancellor is expected to water down the planned changes for pubs, which industry groups warned would see mass closures without a government rethink.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

Quickly, the face of her sister fell away like water down a slanted roof.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez