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Which verb can I use in place of the bolded text in the following sentence?

"He usually argues very aggressively but he has reduced the intensity of his aggression in the presence of guests."

Would "mellow down" sound appropriate here?

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  • I think "curb" or "subside" would fit.
    – Ohas
    Commented Jun 17, 2015 at 9:30
  • 'reined himself in somewhat'
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Jun 17, 2015 at 9:31
  • Calmed down...?
    – WS2
    Commented Jun 17, 2015 at 9:44
  • I'd just used "mellows in the presence of company". The direction of mellowing is understood.
    – Wayfaring Stranger
    Commented Jun 17, 2015 at 13:05
  • ..but he has a conciliatory tone in the presence of guests.
    – Misti
    Commented Jun 17, 2015 at 13:22

2 Answers 2

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He usually argues very aggressively, but he has restrained / tempered his aggression in the presence of guests.

restrained verb: prevent oneself from displaying or giving way to (a strong urge or emotion). "Amos had to restrain his impatience"; synonyms: control, keep under control, check, hold/keep in check, curb, suppress, repress, contain, dampen, subdue, smother, choke back, stifle; see, Google

tempered adjective: 3. made less intense or violent, esp. by the influence of something else. see, The Free Dictionary

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Mollified, allay, pacified

Make more temperate, acceptable, or suitable by adding something else; moderate

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