play down

verb

played down; playing down; plays down

transitive verb

: to attach little importance to : minimize

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
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.
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 In another development Monday, Leavitt appeared to play down Trump calling into question the future of Iran’s ruling theocracy, seemingly contradicting his administration’s earlier calls on Tehran to resume negotiations and avoid an escalation in fighting. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025 Since the time Pep Guardiola played down the prospect of major changes at Craven Cottage after the final game of the season, four players and three coaches have joined the club. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for play down

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of play down was in 1930

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20down. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

play down

verb
: to attach little importance to : minimize

More from Merriam-Webster on play down

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!