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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 Though Blakely was able to laugh off the mistake, the damage would be significant. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Prince William laughed off the question from Heart Breakfast hosts Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026 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 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
  • Nor does focusing on Native slavery minimize the weighty importance of Black slavery in US history.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Apple says the finish also minimizes the visibility of the crease while giving the display a matte feel.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • Going into the summer, recruiting a left-back was on the agenda, though Newcastle feel Dedic and Livramento’s ability to play down both flanks provides enough cover.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • With the Kroenke deal, the Angels will plug into a much larger sports and media ecosystem that should benefit the team that has always played down the road in Orange County in the shadow of the region’s beloved Los Angeles Dodgers franchise.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of play down
Verb
  • Those close to the program shrug off the implication of finality.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Take our survey Shrugging shocks Global markets continue to shrug off the geopolitical shocks, but HSBC sees some developments that could end that dynamic.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of shrug off
Verb
  • Given that such groups have had practical and rhetorical support from the administration in power, the threat of more violence cannot be discounted.
    — Daniel Benjamin, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2026
  • But when only one person books, the operator has to address the pricing problem – whether or how to discount; and a product problem – how to supply a social component.
    — Peter McGraw, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of discount
Verb
  • Important skills that were historically undervalued, like empathy, listening and emotional intelligence, are now valued as real strengths.
    — WWD Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Citi opens a positive catalyst watch on Caterpillar Citi said the stock is undervalued.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of undervalue
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
  • The thing people always underrate about the 2000s is how many of us were not going to the movies to feel good.
    — Darren Franich, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Amazon’s jewelry selection is hugely underrated, in my humble opinion, and this $10 layered necklace is a pretty good example of why.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 4 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2026.

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