tone down

verb

1. adverb to moderate or become moderated in tone

   to tone down a bright colour

   to tone down an argument

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

Donald Trump has spent years getting away with saying just about anything on a stage, with his more unhinged asides being toned down through major media outlets' "sanewashing."

From Salon

Conservative leadership contender Kemi Badenoch has said she will tone down her approach – after some of her colleagues suggested she can be rude.

From BBC

Set in the world of 1980s TV, Dame Jilly is relieved that the most outlandish sensibilities and plotlines of Rivals have not been toned down for a more sensitive 2024 audience.

From BBC

But the Lib Dems have not toned down their hostility towards Conservatives, who they took 60 of their 72 seats from in the general election.

From BBC

To appeal to undecideds, Trump needs to tone down his rhetoric, stop spreading myths about migrants eating dogs and cats, and reinforce his economic credentials.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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