Synonyms

watered-down

American

[waw-terd-daun, wot-erd-] / ˈwɔ tərdˈdaʊn, ˈwɒt ərd- /

adjective

made weaker or less effective from or as from dilution with water.

a watered-down cocktail; Spectators saw a watered-down version of the famous opera.

Etymology

Origin of watered-down

First recorded in 1895–1900

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.

See Examples For:

watered-down

Despite the watered-down price, Shein’s IPO is set to be one of the biggest in Hong Kong this year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

Serkis’ “Animal Farm” wastes no time confirming suspicions that it’s a watered-down version of Orwell’s dystopic classic.

From Salon ● May 3, 2026

But the BMA ended the talks saying the deal - and in particular the pay progression element - had been watered-down at the last minute.

From BBC ● Apr. 14, 2026

A watered-down definition, meanwhile, could end up allowing certain ultraprocessed foods to fly under the radar, especially if food companies find a way to get around whatever UPF definition or label is proposed.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 23, 2026

I slumped seated against a wall, heaving watered-down coughs.

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023