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.
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 Throughout the war, Israeli officials have consistently played down the severity of hunger in Gaza. Pablo Robles, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025 After a week of playing down to – and then slightly lower than – their last-place opponents, the Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 9-0 victory on Wednesday night. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025 Advertisement The President has sought to play down his connection to Epstein over the years. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 9 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 29 Sep. 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!