LAUGH OFF Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

laugh off

verb

Definition of laugh off

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 casual references to him as a billionaire, however, is one gibe that Lamont laughs off. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 13 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for laugh off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for laugh off

Verb

Once the major economies stop asking how to minimize the global costs of adjustment and begin asking instead how to minimize their own risk, the opportunity to find a relatively painless solution to the global trade imbalance will have passed.

— MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
The hotel takes part in ‘Green Engage’ initiatives to minimize carbon footprint and is committed to reducing plastic use by 90 percent and glass waste by 80 percent (although no official end-date has been set).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

But Blanche played down concerns that the erosion of judicial trust could impede his efforts to advance his agenda.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
If any lingering question of home-court advantage persisted, it was made crystal clear in the final 30 seconds who had the biggest backing, as Barclays erupted in celebration of the Liberty’s game-winning plays down the stretch.

— Annie Costabile, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of play down

Verb

Equity markets have also largely shrugged off the potential ramifications of the conflict, with global stocks seeing a broad rally this year as corporate earnings optimism outweighed concerns about the war's implications for the world economy.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Turkey’s government insists its courts are independent as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shrugs off European rulings, a stance that has already fueled a diplomatic clash with Western ambassadors over Kavala’s detention.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of shrug off

Verb

The elastic insult is meant to belittle the target as inauthentic, attention-hungry, unserious, and unmanly.

— Erik Forrest Jackson, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026
Even the teammate who bestowed a belittling nickname upon him can’t wrap his head around Messick’s first year in the majors.

— Zack Meisel, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of belittle

Verb

To pretend otherwise, to act as if survival in these conditions is simply beyond this group, underrates them but is fundamentally far too kind to them.

— Ben Jones, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Garrett Wilson is underrated and has consistently been a 1,000-yard receiver when healthy.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of underrate

Browse Nearby Words

laughingstocks

laugh off

laughs

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Laugh off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laugh%20off. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of laugh off

verb

Example Sentences

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