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
The two guards closed the fourth quarter in a close win over the Sky and star Angel Reese with each making dazzling plays down the stretch.
—
Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025
He’s made plays down the field all summer and the Jets don’t have many viable deep threats.
—Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025
He’s made plays down the field all summer and the Jets don’t have many viable deep threats.
—Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays down
Verb
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Ashton also dismisses the concerns that a three-year degree lacks the many electives and opportunities for self-discovery.—
Bryan Penprase,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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Trump's approach dismisses collective security and weakens NATO's cohesion.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This holistic process minimizes delays, prevents budget overruns, and produces outcomes that meet aesthetic, regulatory, and performance goals.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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Our first responsibility is to honor our commitments and wind down in a way that minimizes harm from the rescission.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Forbes senior contributor Dave Altavilla runs down the tech specs of the new platform and its developer tools.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics runs down court during the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Critics argue this approach lacks clarity and downplays the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Aug. 2025
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Leavitt's wording downplays the chances of a breakthrough on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As the shoreline’s clarity diminishes, Berry stressed the importance of this research for conservation efforts, especially doing it collaboratively.—
Amelia Wu,
Sacbee.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plays down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20down. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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