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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of play down
Both players have played down the rivalry, but their fan bases are often vociferous in their dislike of the opposing player.
—
Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
Beijing is playing down the effect of the trade war, but as negotiators held talks last weekend with their U.S. counterparts, its impact was obvious.
—Li Yuan, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Why most experts get overlooked on LinkedIn Many experienced professionals approach LinkedIn like a digital resume, playing down their achievements and thinking modesty matters more than visibility.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Florida is 14 for 15 on the penalty kill so far this series, and the Panthers have allowed just 13 total shots on goal over the four game when playing down a skater.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
Beijing is playing down the effect of the trade war, but as negotiators held talks last weekend with their U.S. counterparts, its impact was obvious.
—Li Yuan, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Why most experts get overlooked on LinkedIn Many experienced professionals approach LinkedIn like a digital resume, playing down their achievements and thinking modesty matters more than visibility.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Florida is 14 for 15 on the penalty kill so far this series, and the Panthers have allowed just 13 total shots on goal over the four game when playing down a skater.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play down
Verb
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The charges were dismissed because West’s cause of death was not determined, and some evidence had been illegally obtained. (Netflix) Lewis was convicted of six counts of mail fraud in a 1981 credit card scheme in Kansas City.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
25 May 2025
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The case against him was ultimately dismissed last July after the prosecutors committed a Brady violation.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
24 May 2025
Verb
-
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2025
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While not always the case, most stairwells are located in the center of a building, away from windows and exterior walls, which can help minimize damage from weather events.—
Maddie Topliff,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 June 2025
Verb
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Of course, temperatures below 32 degrees or a poor connection to the Arlo base station will run down the battery much more quickly.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
-
The last time the Olympic long hurdles champion ran down in distance was in May of 2024, with the New Jersey native clocking an impressive time of 12.71 in the women’s 100 meter hurdles at the Occidental Invitational in California.—
Cory Mull,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
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In high-stakes projects, leaders may downplay their employees’ efforts and exaggerate their mistakes.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Both players downplayed the skirmish after the game.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Status items such as $250 shoes are talked down to the $50 model, but an $800 bed for better sleep could be approved, Schuchert said.—
Doug Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2025
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His willingness to confront these issues head-on has won him credibility among voters who feel neglected or talked down to by political elites.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In 2024, Paul Weiss didn’t soft-pedal its liberal leanings.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2025
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Goldberg Tuesday scoffed at the denials and efforts to soft-pedal the extent and potential danger of the breach.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Give credit without diminishing your own contributions.—
Marvin Krislov,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Taxpayers who do not itemize their deductions will be allowed to write off a small amount of charitable contributions.—
Mike Sylvester,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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Businesses should be able to write off the full expense of their capital investments in the year they are made, and the Senate should strive to cut spending elsewhere to balance out the revenue losses from making bonus depreciation permanent.—
The Editors,
National Review,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20down. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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