play down

verb

Definition of play downnext
1
as in to dismiss
to express scornfully one's low opinion of out of sheer envy, she would always play down her sister's accomplishments

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to minimize
to reduce in apparent importance if you play down your part in the project, you won't get the credit you deserve

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of play down But to Schröder’s point, Cunningham continued to make the right plays down the stretch. — Hunter Patterson, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 The sanctions threat came as Trump faces criticism for increasing pressure on Ukraine to reach a deal while playing down or even denying Russia’s responsibility for starting the war with its invasion three years ago. — Aamer Madhani and Chris Megerian, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025 There is an incremental fee to play at clubs higher up the food chain but when playing down members are only on the hook for a cart fee. — Mike Dojc, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Friday’s trip could prompt some uncomfortable conversations about climate change, which Trump has played down and denied. — Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for play down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play down
  1. dismiss
  2. minimize
  3. run down
  4. downplay
  5. talk down
  6. soft-pedal
  7. diminish
  8. write off
Verb
  • Live Nation’s initial arguments to dismiss the case took place on January 22, two days after Donald Trump’s inauguration and before his DoJ had fully taken shape.
    — Justin Curto, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
  • At the time, Putin demanded that Ukraine never be allowed into NATO, and that the bloc roll back its military footprint in Eastern and Central Europe – which the US and its allies dismissed as non-starters, condemning the invasion as a blatant land grab.
    — Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • Regular use helps to minimize the appearance of pores, reduce dryness, and create a smoother, more polished look.3 8.
    — Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Such programs help ensure that employees behave ethically and minimize disruptions to business operations—an attractive feature for building and maintaining intercompany relationships.
    — Robert Anello, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • The mountains rose steeply on each side at this point, and the brook that ran down the valley was swift and noisy, swollen by rain.
    — Horace R. Hinkley, Outdoor Life, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The queen consort wore an emerald green dress with contrasting fabric on the rounded collar of the garment and running down the sleeves.
    — Julia Teti, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of run down
Verb
  • Interestingly, the Administration is not downplaying the impact of all this uncertainty but rather warning that some short-term pain will be worth the long term gains.
    — Michael Lynch, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Signs of a slowdown For now, most Wall Street analysts downplay the risks of an immediate recession, noting that the job market remains healthy.
    — Alain Sherter, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of downplay
Verb
  • Trump acknowledged in a Fox News Radio interview with Brian Kilmeade that Russia attacked Ukraine but still suggested former President Biden and Zelensky shared blame for failing to talk down Moscow.
    — Brett Samuels, The Hill, 21 Feb. 2025
  • But Jones has talked down a possible bout with Aspinall and suggested that a battle with current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira made more sense to him.
    — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of talk down
Verb
  • Jean-Baptiste, her mouth set in a tight-lipped frown, her eyes ablaze with fear and loathing, soft-pedals nothing.
    — Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
  • The movie One of the darkest true stories on this list, An American Crime never undersells or soft-pedals the ceaseless agony of Likens’ ordeal.
    — Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Definition of soft-pedal
Verb
  • The intense criticism of the COVID response has left a lingering public distrust in health and diminished their influence.
    — Tina Reed, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The seeming smallness of the story does nothing to diminish the film’s bleakness nor blunt its ultimately devastating impact.
    — Emma Specter, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • Orton was written off television after an attack by Owens on an episode of SmackDown.
    — Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • And United, with justification, have not written off this season yet.
    — Andy Mitten, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of write off

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Cite this Entry

“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20down. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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