play down

verb

played down; playing down; plays down

transitive verb

: to attach little importance to : minimize

Synonyms

• dismiss
• minimize
• run down
• talk down
• diminish
• dump on
• 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

Adrian Mannarino of France plays down at 8.6 kg (19 lbs) on occasion, which is like playing with a trampoline. —Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Central bank Governor Yang Chin-long played down the impact of local currency volatility at the last policy meeting in June. —Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025

However, Aston Martin CEO and team principal Andy Cowell played down the rumors of a Russell signing in the lead-up to Silverstone. —Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025

Watches of Switzerland Earnings Call On an earnings call, Watches of Switzerland CEO Brian Duffy played down the possibility of the company’s product collection being impacted by the tariffs. —Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 4 July 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