tone down

British  

verb

1. (adverb) to moderate or become moderated in tone

   to tone down an argument

   to tone down a bright colour

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tone down Idioms  

1. Make less vivid, harsh, or violent; moderate. For example, That's a little too much rouge; I'd tone it down a bit, or Do you think I should tone down this letter of complaint? This idiom uses tone in the sense of “adjust the tone or quality of something,” as does the antonym, tone up, meaning “brighten or strengthen.” For example, These curtains will tone up the whole room, or This exercise is said to tone up the triceps. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

Maria O’Donnell, a journalist who drew Milei’s ire after urging him to tone down his rhetoric, said the president often appears to treat criticism as a personal attack.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

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

He was asked to tone down things, to sometimes “talk through” lyrics and to generally make the music more dramatic for the screen.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2025

In his letter, the ambassador called on Macron to tone down his criticism of Israel and outlined examples of antisemitism which he said had "long scarred French life".

From BBC • Aug. 24, 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

Related Words

• dampen
• dim
• mitigate
• modulate
• play down
• restrain
• soften
• temper