Definition of put-downnext

put down

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3
as in to enter
to put (someone or something) on a list put her down as one of the chaperones for the field trip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
as in to attribute
to explain (something) as being the result of something else a fender bender that probably can be put down to the young driver's inexperience

Synonyms & Similar Words

6

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 put-down
Noun
The series combines potty-mouthed put-downs with more sentimental story lines. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026 Sadly, that period ended with the closure of newspapers, the violent put-down of protests and the arrest of more than a thousand along with many deaths. — Alissa Simon, Variety, 16 May 2026
Verb
Tristan, in the middle of putting down new wood shavings, looked at me shyly through the dust clouds. — Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026 At the very least, put down your phone and take a walk outside; your attention span will thank you for it. — Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for put-down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for put-down
Noun
  • Frazier was a Black sharecropper’s son who’d overcome much hardship, and the insults stung.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
  • That kind of insult to excellence can't happen in college football, since every Saturday matters and losing just a couple of games, even early in the season and to good teams by narrow margins, can end your hopes (see Notre Dame last season).
    — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Carlson has faced criticism for interviewing Holocaust revisionist Darryl Cooper in 2024 and white nationalist Nick Fuentes, who has repeatedly denied the Holocaust, made antisemitic comments, and praised Adolf Hitler.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The statement came only after Thomas called out the commissioner, intensifying criticism that the league had been reactive throughout the controversy.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The complaint escalates the department’s battle with the federal judiciary, which has halted administration priorities, dismissed high-profile prosecutions and accused government lawyers in some cases of failing to comply with court orders.
    — Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The state did not seek to dismiss allegations related to Morrissey’s statements to the media or to her agreement to log a cache of bullets under a separate case number, functionally hiding them from the defense.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In April, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo halted her performance of Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre after spotting an audience member recording the show.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Musically, the album showed the band evolving beyond the Southern-rockisms of Opera, drawing upon contemporary influences like Centromatic and Steve Earle as well as heroes who recorded in their hometown.
    — Jim Beaugez, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Explore See latest videos, charts and news Now entering its 22nd edition, the cooler-than-dry-ice bill also includes Slayyyter, ADÉLA, Kim Petras, MUNA, Ninajirachi and Rico Nasty.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The indirect talks come as the conflict, which is entering its eighth month, has caused global economic damage and badly battered Iran.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Europe hardens on migration as nationalist support grows European countries sought to harden migration rules in a bid to quell support for nationalist parties across the continent.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Riot police deployed to quell a protest typically arrange themselves into a square tactical unit.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • It could be attributed to the fawn stress response, in which a survivor may appease or try to maintain peace with the person who harmed them, Cutter said.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The move comes amid a global shortage largely attributed to slowdowns of the passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Even though the vast majority of prescriptions are written for generic drugs, drug spending is surging faster than any other category — and drugs have been eating more of the employer’s premium for multiple years now.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • That can include wild animals that seem unusually tame, nocturnal animals that are out in the day, and pets that have trouble walking, eating or a significant change in personality.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Put-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/put-down. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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