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
  • In our most recent conversation, Gershman dismissed the account Sebold gave in her memoir and downplayed the parts of her testimony that were more ambiguous.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 17 July 2026
  • But James downplayed golf as a big factor in his free agent decision.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Definition of downplay
Noun
  • Suspension was double wishbones with coil-over dampers and an anti-roll bar up front; twin trailing arms with double wishbones at the rear.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026
  • Julie Heckman says high humidity can literally put a damper on fireworks shows.
    — Bill Chappell, NPR, 28 June 2026
Definition of damper
Verb
  • Doctors are emphasizing the importance of minimizing your time in the smoke as much as possible.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Franchisors, franchisees, distributors, and food manufacturers increasingly rely upon rigorous supplier audits, product testing, traceability technology, and crisis response protocols to minimize both operational disruption and public health risks.
    — Gary Occhiogrosso, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of minimize
Noun
  • The ballads, though, are where the trumpeter puts on his Harmon mute and things turn magical.
    — Natalie Weiner, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026
  • If messages pile up, answer in batches and mute extras.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
Definition of mute
Verb
  • The case had not gone to trial yet, and the charges were dismissed Wednesday as a result of his death, records show.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • He was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and DUI causing injury, but the second charge was later dismissed after the substances tested for were not found to be present in his blood, the statement at the time read.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
Definition of dismiss
Noun
  • The man removes his muffler to reveal a face painted half in red, and half in black.
    — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
  • Police made four arrests and issued 61 citations, including 16 specifically for loud mufflers.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 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
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Cite this Entry

“Soft-pedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft-pedal. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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