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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of soft-pedal
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Old school with a gift for storytelling, Simon was not one to soft-pedal his mentees.
—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Whatever your preconceived notions about Feldman are, Hume’s film will expand and challenge them; the movie’s greatness lies in its ability to capture all of Feldman’s contradictions and self-destructiveness, empathizing with him without soft-pedaling his sins.
—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
23 Jan. 2026
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
Heringer believes the city soft-pedals crime, pointing to metrics that show improvement but not where pockets of violent crime persist.
—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 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
Peter Rainer,
Christian Science Monitor,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
Questlove is too much of a humanist to soft-pedal’s Maurice White’s contradictions.
—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Old school with a gift for storytelling, Simon was not one to soft-pedal his mentees.
—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Whatever your preconceived notions about Feldman are, Hume’s film will expand and challenge them; the movie’s greatness lies in its ability to capture all of Feldman’s contradictions and self-destructiveness, empathizing with him without soft-pedaling his sins.
—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
23 Jan. 2026
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
Heringer believes the city soft-pedals crime, pointing to metrics that show improvement but not where pockets of violent crime persist.
—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soft-pedal
Verb
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Streamers including Netflix have downplayed their interest in taking on solo ownership of the Emmys and the fact hat none of these companies has snapped up the rights so far is telling.
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Kevin Hassett, director of the White House's National Economic Council, downplayed Thursday's report, pointing to a positive trend for the labor market in previous months.
Noun
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Julie Heckman says high humidity can literally put a damper on fireworks shows.
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But the fact that Apple was forced to raise prices—despite its famous supply chain prowess and its massive purchasing power, not to mention the potential damper on demand—sent a shockwave through the global markets.
Verb
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To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
-
Keep all windows and doors closed so your pet cannot easily escape, and draw the shades to minimize the sound and flashes of light.
Noun
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The ballads, though, are where the trumpeter puts on his Harmon mute and things turn magical.
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If messages pile up, answer in batches and mute extras.
Verb
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In April, the Superior Court dismissed the three citations Hubbard received in May 2025 when no park ranger or city attorney appeared for the prosecution, his lawsuit states.
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Freeney did not dismiss the business side of the arrangement.
Noun
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The man removes his muffler to reveal a face painted half in red, and half in black.
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Prosecutors also allege that McKee used a firearm with a muffler, according to a copy of the grand jury indictment obtained by PEOPLE.
Noun
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How To Use Fabric Softener Fabric softener should be added during the rinse cycle while washing clothes.
-
Add a cup of white vinegar directly into the drum without any detergent or softener.
Cite this Entry
“Soft-pedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft-pedal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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