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
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Recent Examples of play down
Even as stocks have plunged, Trump and his administration have played down the decline.
—
Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Though some are talking up the match at the Metropolitano - Flick’s first match there as Barca boss - as a potential title race decider, Flick played down its importance.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Opening day is just over three weeks away, and the Sox are already playing down to expectations in Cactus League play.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Despite his age, the Arkansas Pine-Bluff product played at an elite level in 2024 before a knee injury significantly impacted his play down the stretch.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Though some are talking up the match at the Metropolitano - Flick’s first match there as Barca boss - as a potential title race decider, Flick played down its importance.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Opening day is just over three weeks away, and the Sox are already playing down to expectations in Cactus League play.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Despite his age, the Arkansas Pine-Bluff product played at an elite level in 2024 before a knee injury significantly impacted his play down the stretch.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play down
Verb
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The case was dismissed after the judge overseeing the case ruled prosecutors did not properly turn over evidence to the defense.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2025
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Even when your partner makes an effort to reconnect — through a joke, a kind gesture or an apology — your mind may dismiss it, keeping you stuck in the negative experience.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Rader downplayed the difference in numbers between his findings and the CDC data, emphasizing that, while accurate, the CDC data does not provide a complete picture — despite its best intentions.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
NBC news,
27 Mar. 2025
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Trump and other top administration officials have downplayed the use of the Signal to discuss the attack, saying classified information was not shared in the chat, despite the exchange including information on the weapons systems being used and the timing of the strikes.—
Katherine Faulders,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Mar. 2025
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Projections of soaring power demand in the U.S. have led utility executives to turn to whatever power source is available—including wind and solar—even as the Trump Administration tries to diminish renewables.—
Justin Worland/Houston,
TIME,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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There are plenty of reasons not to write off Warren as a potential Bills draft pick.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
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The streamer later wrote off over $55 million in costs.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20down. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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