1
as in dismisses
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 minimizes
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 plays down
So many players made big plays down the stretch.
—
Christopher Harris, CBS News, 24 May 2026
But Edwards led the way with a big 16-point fourth quarter, and the Timberwolves made the key plays down the stretch.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 May 2026
But, powered by veteran guard CJ McCollum and some gutsy defensive plays down the stretch, the Hawks won 107-106 to even the series at one game apiece.
—Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 21 Apr. 2026
The Hornets played great and made those plays down the stretch.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
Santos, who scored a career-high 31 points in the Warriors win over Brooklyn on Wednesday, made several big plays down the stretch.
—ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Valanciunas is slow-footed and plays down the floor in pick-and-roll coverage, leaving the Nuggets more vulnerable to pick-and-pop bigs and other ripple effects of their help rotations around the floor.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026
The senior forward had 18 points and made pivotal plays down the stretch, including a dunk, an offensive rebound and free throws to seal the game.
—Tarek Fattal, Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
But with the game on the line, TCU’s Olivia Miles took control with multiple highlight plays down the stretch to clinch the game.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Mar. 2026
Christopher Harris, CBS News, 24 May 2026
But Edwards led the way with a big 16-point fourth quarter, and the Timberwolves made the key plays down the stretch.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 May 2026
But, powered by veteran guard CJ McCollum and some gutsy defensive plays down the stretch, the Hawks won 107-106 to even the series at one game apiece.
—Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 21 Apr. 2026
The Hornets played great and made those plays down the stretch.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
Santos, who scored a career-high 31 points in the Warriors win over Brooklyn on Wednesday, made several big plays down the stretch.
—ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Valanciunas is slow-footed and plays down the floor in pick-and-roll coverage, leaving the Nuggets more vulnerable to pick-and-pop bigs and other ripple effects of their help rotations around the floor.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026
The senior forward had 18 points and made pivotal plays down the stretch, including a dunk, an offensive rebound and free throws to seal the game.
—Tarek Fattal, Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
But with the game on the line, TCU’s Olivia Miles took control with multiple highlight plays down the stretch to clinch the game.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays down
Verb
-
For her part Zoe, mature well beyond her tender age, dismisses the hype with a shrug.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
The day’s ruling from Sorokin, who was appointed to his position by former President Barack Obama, dismisses all claims against Mayor Michelle Wu, Police Commissioner Michael Cox and the Boston Police Department.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
This capability minimizes downtime and enables continuous 24/7 operation, improving equipment utilization and productivity.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
2 June 2026
-
Failing to Declutter First Trying to overhaul your current storage system while the garage is cramped with clutter (which also minimizes the value of your home) is unproductive.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The Padres have come back to win after being three runs down six times, more than any other team this season.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 May 2026
-
The arched surface invites the heat to spread evenly and mount in intensity, and as the fat runs down, the edges of the meat sizzle and crisp.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
That's likely why Mindelle downplays that part of the gig, and instead focuses on the comedy that keeps her on her toes.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
-
Ezelle, however, downplays his role in advising DBGI.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The show never talks down to the audience.—
Rachel DeSantis,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plays down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20down. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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