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.
Brown's ability to make plays down the field and in the short game would complement Metcalf, who can do the exact same thing. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 The really big comedians will usually play down the block at the historic Orpheum Theater, which also features musical acts and kids’ shows as well. Peter Cameron, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 Proud of our players for making plays down the stretch in critical situations. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2025 While primarily utilized as a winger during his career, Dembélé often played down the middle for Luis Enrique’s side, spearheading a fluent and formidable front three, flanked by the dynamic Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. David Close, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 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 20 Oct. 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!