dress down

verb

dressed down; dressing down; dresses down
Synonyms of dress downnext

transitive verb

: to reprove severely

intransitive verb

: to dress casually especially for reasons of fashion

Examples of dress down in a Sentence

dressed down for boorish behavior at the dance
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.
The point of dressing down is to show solidarity with those fighting NF, which impacts 1 in every 2,500 people. Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026 Though the shoes are certainly office-friendly, they could easily be dressed down with a pair of jeans and a flowy blouse for more casual occasions. Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 9 Feb. 2026 Rih dressed down the whimsy, in a white tee, jeans, and a fuzzyz white scarf. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026 The handy bag goes with just about any outfit and can be dressed down for dog walks or dressed up for dinner out on the town. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dress down

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of dress down was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dress down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dress%20down. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

dress down

verb
1
: to criticize severely
2
: to dress casually
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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