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 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
  1. minimize
  2. play down
  3. shrug off
  4. discount
  5. undervalue
  6. belittle
  7. underrate
Verb
  • Prosecutors revealed Davis’ admittedly big mouth had been opening to investigators since 1998 – only two years after Shakur was gunned down – in a series of secret interviews trying to minimize his own legal damage by giving information to the cops.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • This is intended to minimize degradation, reducing contrast decay and improving light projection reliability, ultimately extending the screen's lifespan.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • Mudryk, a right-footed forward best known for playing down the left, is among Leeds’ preferred options and talks are ongoing with Chelsea, despite an initial knock-back.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In response to the concerns, companies including Amazon and Microsoft have been playing down the issue, saying the data center water use can be done responsibly, or sourced from wastewater.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of play down
Verb
  • Those ostensible allies shrugged off criticism of their destructive interventions in Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
    — MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Trump, now shrugging off concerns about the threat posed to those who remained aboard the plane he was supposed to be on.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of shrug off
Verb
  • Sculpting shapewear and basic T-shirts are also discounted and going for as little as $9 right now.
    — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But even heavily discounted, a tenfold reduction in enablement cost changes who can afford to ship credible AI chips.
    — Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of discount
Verb
  • Okta is currently undervalued by the market, but the digital gatekeeper should see its shares continue to rally thanks to rising demand for identity and access management services, according to Wells Fargo.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
  • That suggests the foreign exchange market is significantly undervaluing the yen.
    — Bloomberg, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of undervalue
Verb
  • His work has often been criticized for belittling women and invading the privacy of others.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of belittle
Verb
  • Kahan’s voice is one of the things about him that may be underrated.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
  • And don’t underrate how perfectly this first film captures something about Spider-Man’s central tragedy.
    — Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on laugh off

Nglish: Translation of laugh off for Spanish Speakers

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