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
  • To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026
  • Using that information, the system can infer how adjusting these parameters can minimize certain errors.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • The host nation won comfortably despite playing down a man from the 64th minute on.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Even for the Kremlin, which often plays down painful setbacks, the stark reality has become hard to sidestep.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Definition of play down
Verb
  • Economies involved in the AI boom will shrug off the effects of the war as equipment sales, rising stock indexes, and perhaps even growing worker productivity promote confidence among businesses and consumers.
    — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
  • Clinicians and patients are much less likely to tolerate robot mistakes that might be shrugged off for consumer robotics, Bhushan said.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026
Definition of shrug off
Verb
  • While the threshold sparked debate, the decree offers financial incentives for parties to merge by discounting registration fees for coalitions and alliances.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • One of the best Adidas bag deals right now can be found on Amazon, where the brand’s Defender 5 (or Defender IV) Duffel Bag is discounted to just $17 — more than 60% off.
    — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 9 July 2026
Definition of discount
Verb
  • Since managers reliably undervalue the innovator, don't leave sharing to their goodwill.
    — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Bank of America upgrades T-Mobile to buy from neutral Bank of America said shares are undervalued.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of undervalue
Verb
  • The Babylon Bee posted a satirical video suggesting that if a female president was mercurial — launching foreign wars, trade wars and petty feuds — and focusing on gewgaws and shoes, she’d be endlessly belittled.
    — Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
  • Trump, on the other hand, belittles and degrades people every day.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Definition of belittle
Verb
  • 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
  • Berchild is a hardworking player with good skill and a good shot; people at the program will argue he’s been underrated.
    — Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 27 June 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on laugh off

Nglish: Translation of laugh off for Spanish Speakers

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