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 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

Ray Wilkins was appointed manager and Fulham finished sixth — but Al Fayed was not satisfied, dismissing Wilkins and handing the job to Keegan.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Huffy, a brand once dismissed by some but historically durable and even Olympic-raced, has successfully reinvented itself in the e-bike market.

— William Roberson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

As Caitlin Clark tried to steal the ball from Reese, Malonga came running down the paint.

— Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Schroeder mentioned another woman, 80, now an EVSA member, who was run down by an e-biker on April 16, 2024, shattering her leg, at the same location Jean was struck.

— Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

Definition of run down

Verb

Both habits are compulsive, self-soothing, and ultimately self-harming, yet only his history with women drives the story while his drug use is, disconcertingly, downplayed.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
But Roberts has continually tried to downplay the political messaging associated with the visit.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Definition of downplay

Verb

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
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

Definition of talk down

Verb

The flood of content drew more young people into the demonstrations and underscored the diminishing influence of traditional media in India among Gen Z.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Workers seek transparency regarding AI's impact on their roles, assurance against job losses, and confidence that their value isn't diminished.

— Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026