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soft-pedal 1 of 2

verb

ˈsȯf(t)-ˈpe-dᵊl How to pronounce soft-pedal (audio)
Definition of soft-pedalnext
as in to downplay
to reduce in apparent importance she politely tries to soft-pedal her accomplishments when talking to less fortunate people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

soft pedal

2 of 2

noun

as in damper

Related Words

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 soft-pedal
Verb
But a communications strategy designed to soft-pedal radioactive contamination of food won’t make America healthy. — Washington Post, 22 Jan. 2026 In fact, several of the investigators believed the shooting was intentional, and that the Biden administration had actually soft-pedaled the investigation’s findings to appease Israel. — Scott Griffen, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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, 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 See All Example Sentences for soft-pedal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soft-pedal
  1. downplay
  2. damper
  3. minimize
  4. mute
  5. dismiss
  6. muffler
  7. softener
Verb
  • And that’s growing, even though, for a while, the issues seem to almost have been downplayed in the official media discourse.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
  • If a third of that pool has smoothed over an age, downplayed a caregiving responsibility or held back an honest opinion online, that manager is working from an edited pool without knowing it.
    — Houman Akhavan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of downplay
Noun
  • While his teammates and coaches gazed in awe at his numbers postgame, Lloyd put a little damper on them himself.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Bimota retunes the Balance Free Fork with a low spring rate, firmer compression damping, and softer rebound, while the rear damper can adjust up to 30 millimeters with an eccentric bolt.
    — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of damper
Verb
  • This line is increasing sustainable sourcing, minimizing landfill waste, and conserving fresh water, among many initiatives.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Their expertise can minimize the amount of time that games are delayed.
    — Chris Vagasky, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of minimize
Noun
  • At its heart is 17 year old dance student Xiaoliu, who returns home on leave after an unsettling encounter at school leaves her mute.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Almost a decade ago, Jon Bernthal and Tom Holland starred in a little movie called Pilgrimage, in which the former is a mute and the latter is his sole companion.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 July 2026
Definition of mute
Verb
  • In previous orders, Kiir has alarmed observers by dismissing important officials.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The long-running lawsuit was filed four years ago, got dismissed the following year, and was later revived on appeal.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Noun
  • This year, he was ticketed on four occasions for alleged violations including failing to display license plates, not having his registration card and proof of insurance, and for not having a working muffler, according to court records.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The pipe takes multiple bends before feeding into a handmade box muffler that doubles as a functional heat shield.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of muffler
Noun
  • That might mean treating the water with a softener, periodically removing buildup from your fixtures and hair or simply living with a little extra scale around the faucet.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
  • So, the researchers treated them with glycerol, which works as a softener.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of softener

Browse Nearby Words

softness
soft-pedal
soft pedal
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Cite this Entry

“Soft-pedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft-pedal. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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