PLAY DOWN Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

play down

verb

Definition of play down

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of out of sheer envy, she would always play down her sister's accomplishments

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to minimize

to reduce in apparent importance if you play down your part in the project, you won't get the credit you deserve

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 play down The White House didn’t respond to a request for comment on Cassidy’s characterization of the meeting and some Republicans tried to play down the clash. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 The timeless design adds warmth and texture to a nursery today and promises years of imaginative play down the road. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2026 Against Costa Rica, when Konsa started alongside Stones, the Aston Villa man frequently became the central player in a back three, while Stones would look to progress play down the left. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 17 June 2026 Next play down, get it to Towns to draw a double and release to Mikal Bridges, who finds Alvarado all alone on the weakside for an easy three. — Kyle Wagner, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for play down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for play down

Verb

That suit was dismissed after a judge ruled that Lively’s accusations were protected by litigation privilege.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 July 2026
News outlets uncovered years-old comments on Reddit that appeared to endorse political violence, dismiss rape in the military, criticize rural Americans and use anti-gay slurs.

— Kimberlee Kruesi, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of dismiss

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

Still, Donovan said that the accomplishment of passing bipartisan housing affordability legislation with an overwhelming majority shouldn’t be downplayed.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Baldwin, however, downplayed the psychological impact of the announcement.

— Jesús Cano, New York Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of downplay

Verb

In a daring high-wire act high above the East River, fearless NYPD cops spent nearly an hour on a span of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge talking down a woman desperately threatening to jump.

— Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026
The movie goes from this weird, seedy love motel to the industrial backwaters, and these long walks and talks down empty streets.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026

Definition of talk down

Verb

Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Kylian Mbappé’s powers were diminished in that tournament after sustaining a broken nose, while emerging stars like Michael Olise and Désiré Doué were yet to break through.

— James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

Definition of diminish

Verb

The most significant shift in social infrastructure this decade is unfolding in a category most venture investors already wrote off.

— Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
The School Board agreed in April to write off outstanding debt for student meal obligations, totaling $720,433, for the 2025-26 school year.

— Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2026