play down

verb

played down; playing down; plays down

transitive verb

: to attach little importance to : minimize

Synonyms

• bad-mouth
• belittle
• cry down
• decry
• denigrate
• deprecate
• depreciate
• derogate
• diminish
• dis [slang]
• diss
• discount
• dismiss
• disparage
• kiss off
• minimize
• poor-mouth
• put down
• run down
• talk down
• trash
• trash-talk
• vilipend
• write off

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

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

One piece of good news for Arsenal fans is that Arteta played down fears over another injury to Ethan Nwaneri. —James McNicholas, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for play down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

play down

verb

: to attach little importance to : minimize