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

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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 One thing O’Connell and Withers agreed upon early on was to play down the appearance of Cyrano’s nose. — David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026 Mexico pledged to investigate the origins of the parasite outbreak, while playing down the idea that contamination occurred in its territory. — Jaewon Kang, Fortune, 18 July 2026 In Moscow, the Kremlin played down the importance of Fedorov's dismissal — despite his role in shaping Ukraine's attack drone program against the Russian interior. — Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 16 July 2026 The game was in the 112th minute when Alvarez scored, a testimony to Switzerland’s outstanding defense, playing down a man since the 72nd minute. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for play down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for play down

Verb

China refused to participate in the arbitration and has not fully complied with the ruling, causing some commentators to dismiss the significance of the case.

— Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Beth Arbuckle and Wells Fargo agreed to dismiss the December 2024 case filed in federal court for the Western District of North Carolina, according to a joint stipulation filed Friday.

— Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

While retinol on its own can be irritating, especially on sensitive skin, applying it as a moisturizer can help minimize irritation and soothe the skin—a genius product, IMO.

— Anna Traver, InStyle, 31 July 2026
The point is not to minimize every token, just as manufacturers do not minimize every raw material.

— Dr. Suresh Rajappa, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

For four years now, Metro light rail trains have been running down the center of Crenshaw Boulevard, and for just as long, residents say a major promise has been broken.

— Lauren Pozen, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Not Bone, But Nerve That something is the ulnar nerve, one of the three major nerves running down the arm.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of run down

Verb

As the Skubal trade rumors continue to swirl, expect the Dodgers to be right in the thick of it — even if Friedman downplayed any needs on his roster.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 31 July 2026
But the Dodgers have downplayed the severity of that ailment and are under the impression that throwing doesn’t hurt it.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of downplay

Verb

The influencer, or their manager, already expects to be talked down.

— Chris Ryan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris O’Dowd, and Bryan Cranston lead an excellent voice cast in a family film that doesn’t talk down to the little ones while also providing cozy comfort for their parents.

— Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 17 July 2026

Definition of talk down

Verb

One thing that might be over — or at least greatly diminished — will be submissions for the supporting acting categories for limited series/movie next year if the academy makes this revision permanent.

— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Errors damaged trust and diminished influence whether or not the robot was expressive.

— Yigit Topoglu, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026