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
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
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
Verb
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In the leadup to the settlement, Judge Frederick Chung denied the county’s motion to dismiss the case at the summary judgment phase that determines whether a lawsuit proceeds to trial.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2025
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To dismiss it, as the President tried yesterday, is incredible and not fair to our men and women in uniform.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
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
-
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
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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
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
-
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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Orton was written off television after an attack by Owens on an episode of SmackDown.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
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And United, with justification, have not written off this season yet.—
Andy Mitten,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20down. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
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