laugh off

verb

Definition of laugh offnext
as in to minimize

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of laugh off The camera quickly cut to Chalamet, who laughed off the joke. — Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026 Some people will laugh off that idea; greatness is hard to define in an age when everyone has their own criteria for that label. — Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025 As Washington approached, the photographer tried to laugh off the confrontation and put his hands around the actor’s arm. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 14 Nov. 2025 Give yourself some grace, laugh off the awkward interactions, and remember that every misstep is just another story to bring home. — Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laugh off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laugh off
  1. minimize
  2. play down
  3. shrug off
  4. discount
  5. undervalue
  6. belittle
  7. underrate
Verb
  • While retinol on its own can be irritating, especially on sensitive skin, applying it as a moisturizer can help minimize irritation and soothe the skin—a genius product, IMO.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 31 July 2026
  • The point is not to minimize every token, just as manufacturers do not minimize every raw material.
    — Dr. Suresh Rajappa, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • The next, most important step for Carter is maintaining his explosive play down over down — first in training camp, then in practice and finally, once the season arrives.
    — Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • Wang plays down the potential for renegade robots to wreak havoc.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 July 2026
Definition of play down
Verb
  • After the Dream's narrow 82-81 win, Reese shrugged off the controversy when asked about the wager.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
  • The economy has so far shrugged off the turmoil as AI demand powers electronics exports.
    — Anniek Bao,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Definition of shrug off
Verb
  • Buyers either discount heavily for that risk or walk away completely.
    — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Major supermarket chains like Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, or Publix regularly discount staple items at steep loss-leader prices just to get shoppers through the doors.
    — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 31 July 2026
Definition of discount
Verb
  • JPMorgan initiates Cadre Holdings as overweight JPMorgan said the safety products company is undervalued.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 27 July 2026
  • Since managers reliably undervalue the innovator, don't leave sharing to their goodwill.
    — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of undervalue
Verb
  • Lestat is treated as unworthy of Akasha’s (Sheila Atim) blood and his choice to turn Louis is belittled by the table because Louis was a pimp.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • The women on that team didn’t ask to be the butt of a locker room joke, belittled by the President of the United States, no less.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of belittle
Verb
  • The Wings have a useful window over the next two seasons when Bueckers and Azzi Fudd will both be on rookie contracts that massively underrate their production.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Research consistently shows that Black women’s pain is underrated, their concerns dismissed, and their symptoms attributed to non-clinical causes.
    — Ashoka, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of underrate

Browse Nearby Words

laughingstocks
laugh off
laughs
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Cite this Entry

“Laugh off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laugh%20off. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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