play down

verb

played down; playing down; plays down

transitive verb

: to attach little importance to : minimize

Examples of play down in a Sentence

out of sheer envy, she would always play down her sister's accomplishments if you play down your part in the project, you won't get the credit you deserve
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the past, that would be a trap game for the Lakers, who have a recent history of playing down to their competition. Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 What began as a strained attempt to absolve Mr. Trump of responsibility for Jan. 6 gradually took hold, as his allies in Congress and the media played down the attack and redirected blame to left-wing plants, Democrats and even the government. Dan Barry, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025 Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov played down the damage last week, saying that while Russia had expended significant effort in stabilizing Syria in the past, its current priority lies with the conflict in Ukraine. Marin Scott, NBC News, 14 Dec. 2024 But Macron's office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying other politicians not now in office had been invited as well. Sylvie Corbet, arkansasonline.com, 8 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for play down 

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of play down was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near play down

Cite this Entry

“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20down. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

play down

verb
: to attach little importance to : minimize

More from Merriam-Webster on play down

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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