as in to downplay
to reduce in apparent importance
she politely tries to soft-pedal her accomplishments when talking to less fortunate people
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Recent Examples of soft pedal
Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2025
Authors aimed at the business market tend to soft pedal AI, speaking only about the benefits while downplaying or outright ignoring the dangers.
—David A. Teich, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
This is a two-part skill; his superb legato (or connected articulation) on the keyboard was heightened by skillful deployment of both the sustaining and the soft pedal.
—Marcus Overton, sandiegouniontribune.com, 8 Jan. 2018
Pam Kaur, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Nothing grates quite like those slick pharmaceutical ads blaring across the TV, promising quick fixes while soft-pedaling potential side effects.
—Alex Ward, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
This soft-pedalling impulse is evident in the revival’s treatment of Hank’s next-door neighbor Dale, a conspiracy nut who blames the U.N., the U.S. military, and the Cuban government for life’s inconveniences.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2025
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
Jean-Baptiste, her mouth set in a tight-lipped frown, her eyes ablaze with fear and loathing, soft-pedals nothing.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
The movie One of the darkest true stories on this list, An American Crime never undersells or soft-pedals the ceaseless agony of Likens’ ordeal.
—Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Popular on Variety Navarro doesn’t soft-pedal her disdain for recent remarks former President Donald Trump has made about immigrants eating dogs and cats — just one of the hot topics Phillip and a shifting ensemble of pundits, reporters and experts tackle each weeknight.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 Sep. 2024
Verb
But at least Chalamet doesn’t try to soft pedal Dylan’s surliness and careerism, and his vocal re-creations are mostly spot on.
—Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2025
Authors aimed at the business market tend to soft pedal AI, speaking only about the benefits while downplaying or outright ignoring the dangers.
—David A. Teich, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
This is a two-part skill; his superb legato (or connected articulation) on the keyboard was heightened by skillful deployment of both the sustaining and the soft pedal.
—Marcus Overton, sandiegouniontribune.com, 8 Jan. 2018
Noun
Translation: compliance burdens are rising, even if the U.S. is soft-pedaling near-term enforcement.
—Pam Kaur, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Nothing grates quite like those slick pharmaceutical ads blaring across the TV, promising quick fixes while soft-pedaling potential side effects.
—Alex Ward, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
This soft-pedalling impulse is evident in the revival’s treatment of Hank’s next-door neighbor Dale, a conspiracy nut who blames the U.N., the U.S. military, and the Cuban government for life’s inconveniences.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2025
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
Jean-Baptiste, her mouth set in a tight-lipped frown, her eyes ablaze with fear and loathing, soft-pedals nothing.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
The movie One of the darkest true stories on this list, An American Crime never undersells or soft-pedals the ceaseless agony of Likens’ ordeal.
—Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Popular on Variety Navarro doesn’t soft-pedal her disdain for recent remarks former President Donald Trump has made about immigrants eating dogs and cats — just one of the hot topics Phillip and a shifting ensemble of pundits, reporters and experts tackle each weeknight.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soft pedal
Verb
-
And Self was quick to downplay any potential shooting-woes carryover from 2024-25.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Sirianni tried to downplay questions about the position even when the season approached and the depth chart was unsettled.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Exterior upgrades include a more aggressive look with adaptive dampers, 22-inch wheels and black-and-chrome exterior accents, including black roof rails.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
19 Oct. 2025
-
The loss puts a serious damper on the Trojans’ Playoff hopes.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Learn how to prevent gas leaks, minimize carbon monoxide risks, and safely use your gas range by following these essential tips and safety precautions.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Atlanta scored first on a 38-yard field goal from Parker Romo, but that came after Huff and Sam Okuayinonu split a third-down sack to minimize a 19-play, 10 ½-minute drive.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Combined mode shows the total level for both inputs and mutes both at once.—
Phil Nickinson,
PC Magazine,
11 Aug. 2025
-
After accidentally starting a wildfire, 7-year-old Lu, mute and from an abusive home, slyly tricks Merribelle, a hardworking trans woman, into kidnapping her — sparking a beautifully unexpected bond with a devastating expiration date.—
Vulture,
Vulture,
12 Dec. 2022
Verb
-
Venables was dismissed early in the next campaign following three straight defeats, but Lineker went on to net another 20 times that season, helping win the Copa del Rey under Luis Aragones.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Court rules don't allow plaintiffs to submit additional evidence to counter a motion to dismiss, Alex said.—
Paul Egan,
Freep.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Ezell's building has something for everyone, from photos of the early years of the former muffler shop to , memorabilia from the Indianapolis 500 and racing personalities.—
Michelle Pemberton,
IndyStar,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Buying a small business doesn’t have to mean becoming the owner of a mundane muffler shop or America’s 19,503rd Subway franchise.—
Brandon Kochkodin,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Instead of softener, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to naturally soften towels and remove detergent residue without dulling the color.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Clothing manufacturers no longer must choose between using a softener that is durable but negatively impacts cotton’s natural absorbency or one that preserves the fiber’s ability to hold moisture but also washes off through home laundering.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Soft pedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft%20pedal. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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