SOFT-PEDALING Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

soft-pedaling 1 of 2

noun

as in criticism

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soft-pedaling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of soft-pedal

as in minimizing

to reduce in apparent importance she politely tries to soft-pedal her accomplishments when talking to less fortunate people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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-pedaling

Verb

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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for soft-pedaling

Noun

The latest appearance will do little to quell criticism of Infantino, who is standing currently unopposed for re-election as FIFA president.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 July 2026
On top of that, Saka downplayed all the criticisms of Tuchel coming into Saturday’s match.

— Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Definition of criticism

Verb

Autonomous ocean mining The Eureka Collection System is an autonomous underwater mining platform designed to selectively harvest polymetallic nodules from the deep ocean while minimizing environmental impact.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026
Operating in a 24/7/365 retail environment meant that minimizing business disruption was critical.

— Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026

Definition of minimizing

Noun

The minimization regimen is also effective at lightening the price tag, cutting an even $11K off the base price as compared to the Bambi 16RB.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026
Diminishing eye wrinkles takes consistent application, as well as a discussion with your dermatologist to develop a wrinkle-minimization plan unique to your skin and needs.

— Daley Quinn, Glamour, 9 July 2026

Definition of minimization

Noun

This means private landowners may have more success challenging condemnation actions under their state constitutions than in federal court.

— Aaron Walayat, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
Beneath the memoir runs a steady defense of everyday Beirutis and, equally, a condemnation of the world that distances itself from their pain.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026

Definition of condemnation

Verb

The two commissioners selected by congressional Democrats, Chairman Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland, each received an email dismissing them on July 9.

— Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 10 July 2026
England went into the Mexico match inspired by having so many factors against them and with a lot of people dismissing their chances of winning the tournament.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of dismissing

Noun

His denunciation so incensed far-right Israelis that a number of activists were detained while protesting his son’s bar mitzvah in Jerusalem the next year, Emanuel recalled.

— Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Three words The lengthiest denunciation of Tyndale’s translation came from More, the English humanist who was King Henry VIII’s leading political official.

— Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 30 June 2026

Definition of denunciation

Noun

Following Rourke’s denouncement of the GoFundMe effort, Hines told fans that if Rourke didn’t want the money, donors would be reimbursed.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2026
In coordination with former President Franklin Roosevelt’s public denouncement of discrimination of Black Americans, Plato, president of the Plato Construction Company, was contracted to build 88 houses on the site of Camp Taylor, the former military installation in southwest Louisville.

— Steve Wiser, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Nov. 2025

Definition of denouncement

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“Soft-pedaling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft-pedaling. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of soft-pedaling

noun

verb

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