1
as in dismissing
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
2
as in minimizing
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 playing down
Not playing down the stretch was a function of stiffness.
—
Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Instead of taking a low profile and playing down any claims to Taiwan’s independent status like his more cautious DPP predecessor Tsai Ying-wen, Lai has lurched toward formal independence with a succession of speeches making the case for Taiwanese nationhood.
—Lyle Goldstein, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Before this weekend’s game, Town manager Gavin Macpherson was playing down the rivalry.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
After a week of playing down to – and then slightly lower than – their last-place opponents, the Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 9-0 victory on Wednesday night.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
There’s usually a physical requirement, as well as severely playing down the high-wattage glamor that got you on red carpets in the first place.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025
The Chiefs know something about playing down a man or two at the position.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2025
Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Instead of taking a low profile and playing down any claims to Taiwan’s independent status like his more cautious DPP predecessor Tsai Ying-wen, Lai has lurched toward formal independence with a succession of speeches making the case for Taiwanese nationhood.
—Lyle Goldstein, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Before this weekend’s game, Town manager Gavin Macpherson was playing down the rivalry.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
After a week of playing down to – and then slightly lower than – their last-place opponents, the Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 9-0 victory on Wednesday night.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
There’s usually a physical requirement, as well as severely playing down the high-wattage glamor that got you on red carpets in the first place.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025
The Chiefs know something about playing down a man or two at the position.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing down
Verb
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But dismissing or minimizing disappointment can unintentionally teach children to ignore or suppress emotions.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Parents,
17 Feb. 2026
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Ignoring or outright dismissing Black parents who seek options is not progress — or progressive.—
Darius Jones,
New York Daily News,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Parchment paper is an essential kitchen tool, helping cooks and bakers prepare flawless dishes while minimizing cleanup.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
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The innovative idea also focuses on reducing operational costs, minimizing the requirement for buying expensive land to build data centers.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Several reservoirs, including Loch Lomond, the main water supply for the city of Santa Cruz, and Lake Cachuma, the largest reservoir in Santa Barbara County, were 100% full on Wednesday, with water running down their spillways.—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
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The Patriots bounced back immediately and showed some life after a streaker interrupted the game by running down the field and avoiding security guards.—
Doug Kyed,
Hartford Courant,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Although hopeful, other Republicans did not follow the president’s lead in downplaying their loss.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Feb. 2026
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But good luck downplaying this moment, because Brown played the same two courses as Scheffler.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Forever captures the rush and confusion of first love without talking down to its audience.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
14 Dec. 2025
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Never met someone successful ever talking down to someone online.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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All there is to do, sometimes, is know in your heart of hearts that a nuanced piece of literature and a provocative and deviant piece of pop culture can exist alongside each other without one diminishing the other.—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
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The airport’s current name is widely recognized and respected, and altering it would only create confusion while diminishing the local identity.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Instead of writing off the cost of certain assets over several years, businesses can generally deduct the full cost upfront, within limits.—
Forbes Money Team,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Also since the press conference, some doctors have begun writing off-label prescriptions for autistic children, against the advice of medical groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Playing down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing%20down. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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