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
  • As the Skubal trade rumors continue to swirl, expect the Dodgers to be right in the thick of it — even if Friedman downplayed any needs on his roster.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • But the Dodgers have downplayed the severity of that ailment and are under the impression that throwing doesn’t hurt it.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of downplay
Noun
  • The system operates by altering the magnetic field to adjust fluid viscosity inside the dampers, continuously modifying compression and rebound damping.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026
  • While the car transmits every ripple in the road, its trick Multimatic dampers round off imperfections beautifully, so the chassis never feels discombobulated.
    — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 July 2026
Definition of damper
Verb
  • While retinol on its own can be irritating, especially on sensitive skin, applying it as a moisturizer can help minimize irritation and soothe the skin—a genius product, IMO.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 31 July 2026
  • The point is not to minimize every token, just as manufacturers do not minimize every raw material.
    — Dr. Suresh Rajappa, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of minimize
Noun
  • 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
  • The ballads, though, are where the trumpeter puts on his Harmon mute and things turn magical.
    — Natalie Weiner, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026
Definition of mute
Verb
  • China refused to participate in the arbitration and has not fully complied with the ruling, causing some commentators to dismiss the significance of the case.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Beth Arbuckle and Wells Fargo agreed to dismiss the December 2024 case filed in federal court for the Western District of North Carolina, according to a joint stipulation filed Friday.
    — Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of dismiss
Noun
  • That’s the quick-lube place, the muffler place, the paint-and-body place, and the windshield place—all under one Charlotte roof.
    — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 23 July 2026
  • The bill also clarifies that only those powered by liquid fuel, such as gasoline, require a muffler.
    — Madison Smalstig July 18, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of muffler
Noun
  • Another addition to consider is a water softener in your shower head.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 July 2026
  • Add a cup of white vinegar directly into the drum without any detergent or softener.
    — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
Definition of softener

Browse Nearby Words

softness
soft-pedal
soft pedal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Soft-pedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft-pedal. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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