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
  • Analysts suggest this may reflect that as the Fed gradually downplays forward guidance, market sensitivity to Fed wording—as well as the Fed's overall influence over markets—could be waning.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Shifting emphasis moving into the general election A number of Republicans have removed or downplayed references to Trump from their websites after winning their primaries.
    — Steve Peoples, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of downplay
Noun
  • The suspension, steering, brakes, dampers, camber settings and electronic stability systems have all been revised.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The thought of having dinner together every night and being subjected to this is going to put a distinct damper on what is a rare vacation for my husband and me.
    — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of damper
Verb
  • Once the major economies stop asking how to minimize the global costs of adjustment and begin asking instead how to minimize their own risk, the opportunity to find a relatively painless solution to the global trade imbalance will have passed.
    — MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The hotel takes part in ‘Green Engage’ initiatives to minimize carbon footprint and is committed to reducing plastic use by 90 percent and glass waste by 80 percent (although no official end-date has been set).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 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
  • On Wednesday, lawyers for Gomez filed a motion to dismiss the artist from the suit, and said she should have never been dragged into the case in the first place.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
  • El-Sayed dismissed a potential fundraising gap in the race, which could occur if donors were pushed towards Rogers or if outside groups like AIPAC intervened on Rogers’ behalf.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Noun
  • Bearing the brunt of our new climate reality, of course, is the simmering countryside, desert dry and ready to ignite from the first mechanical spark, hot muffler, or flying ember.
    — John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 29 Aug. 2026.

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