1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of play down
At the time, Everton officials played down the link as the role had been earmarked for Purdy.
—
Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 1 May 2025
The Panthers played from behind for the majority of the game after that and played down one defenseman after Niko Mikkola was given a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct 19 seconds into the third period for boarding Tampa Bay forward Zemgus Girgensons.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
That report, however, was played down by Bayern on Saturday.
—Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
That was something of a turning point, as players addressed the issue of playing down to competition.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 1 May 2025
The Panthers played from behind for the majority of the game after that and played down one defenseman after Niko Mikkola was given a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct 19 seconds into the third period for boarding Tampa Bay forward Zemgus Girgensons.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
That report, however, was played down by Bayern on Saturday.
—Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
That was something of a turning point, as players addressed the issue of playing down to competition.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play down
Verb
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The charges were dismissed because West’s cause of death was not determined, and some evidence had been illegally obtained. (Netflix) Lewis was convicted of six counts of mail fraud in a 1981 credit card scheme in Kansas City.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
25 May 2025
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The case against him was ultimately dismissed last July after the prosecutors committed a Brady violation.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
24 May 2025
Verb
-
Home cooks are often advised to chill their onions before cutting them to minimize crying.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
20 May 2025
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Effective targeting minimizes waste and builds consumer loyalty.—
Ray Lansigan,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
Prendergast ran down the street to the explosion site, following a black cloud of smoke, and arrived there in a few minutes.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2025
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Meanwhile, Mitchell offers a supporting run down the middle and Eze begins a sprint on the left.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Verb
-
Some chose to downplay their identities in certain settings to preserve influence or avoid pushback.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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Longtime festival chief Thierry Frémaux downplayed the fracas by calling it an unfounded rumor.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Status items such as $250 shoes are talked down to the $50 model, but an $800 bed for better sleep could be approved, Schuchert said.—
Doug Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2025
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His willingness to confront these issues head-on has won him credibility among voters who feel neglected or talked down to by political elites.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In 2024, Paul Weiss didn’t soft-pedal its liberal leanings.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2025
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Goldberg Tuesday scoffed at the denials and efforts to soft-pedal the extent and potential danger of the breach.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Give credit without diminishing your own contributions.—
Marvin Krislov,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Verb
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However, doctors and I wrote off the pain as an occupational strain.—
Eileen Davidson,
Health,
15 May 2025
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Most 100-game losers are written off and seldom get to work with better players in a better situation.—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20down. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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