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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of play down
In another development Monday, Leavitt appeared to play down Trump calling into question the future of Iran’s ruling theocracy, seemingly contradicting his administration’s earlier calls on Tehran to resume negotiations and avoid an escalation in fighting.
—
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025
Since the time Pep Guardiola played down the prospect of major changes at Craven Cottage after the final game of the season, four players and three coaches have joined the club.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 18 June 2025
However, the Mets have already been playing down one bench bat with Baty unavailable these last two games.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
On the next play down the floor, the person added, Doncic did it again.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025
Since the time Pep Guardiola played down the prospect of major changes at Craven Cottage after the final game of the season, four players and three coaches have joined the club.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 18 June 2025
However, the Mets have already been playing down one bench bat with Baty unavailable these last two games.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
On the next play down the floor, the person added, Doncic did it again.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play down
Verb
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They have since been dismissed by the local solicitor general's office, WSB-TV reported.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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With the reciprocal tariffs, Trump is dismissing the rules governing world trade.—
Aamer Madhani,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
Verb
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The smell will fade overtime as the blinds begin to dry, but diluting vinegar with water helps minimize the potency of the scent.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
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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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
19 July 2025
Verb
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Written by young adult author Lois Duncan, the novel concerns four teenage friends who accidentally run down and kill a cyclist and cover up their involvement in the crime.—
William Earl,
Variety,
16 July 2025
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The truck may have been taking up a small portion of a bike lane that runs down Broadway near Cedar St. at the time of the attack, a police source with knowledge of the incident said.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
16 July 2025
Verb
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The senior State Department official downplayed the study.—
Chris Boccia,
ABC News,
13 July 2025
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The man who has turned Paris Saint-Germain from an excellent side to the best club soccer team on the planet has even downplayed his role with the FIFA Club World Cup final against Chelsea at MetLife Stadium looming on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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The 53-year-old artist shared an Instagram video where animals are wearing human clothing and doing human activity while talking down on the current music landscape.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
9 June 2025
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Don’t patronize, don’t over-explain, don’t talk down to them in any way.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
20 June 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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The best wrinkle creams on Amazon prove that drugstore prices don't diminish efficacy.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
8 July 2025
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Eggs may not be quite so extreme, since the bird flu problem is expected to diminish.—
Jan Ellen Spiegel,
Hartford Courant,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Some write off his impressive numbers as stat padding.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
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Insurance companies can completely write off vehicles with water damage due to mechanical complications.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20down. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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