TALK DOWN Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

talk down

verb

Definition of talk down

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of a company that prefers to talk up its own products rather than talk down those of its competitors

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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 talk down Not talking down to them, and tackling real subject matter that’s universal, about family and relationships and nature versus nurture and grief. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2026 The Malheur standoff also drew in the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, which Northern California sheriffs credited for talking down the Henrichsens and ending last month’s kidnapping without bloodshed. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 9 Aug. 2026 The influencer, or their manager, already expects to be talked down. — Chris Ryan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026 Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris O’Dowd, and Bryan Cranston lead an excellent voice cast in a family film that doesn’t talk down to the little ones while also providing cozy comfort for their parents. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for talk down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for talk down

Verb

China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the espionage allegation on Monday.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 Nov. 2026
The Senate dismissed all impeachment charges, shutting down his trial before arguments even began.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

The residence-style rooms make mealtimes and bedtimes easier, and the gondola access minimizes the potential for meltdowns.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026
Bomb threats targeted dozens of flights across Europe last week, following a string of hoaxes that forced flight diversions and left airlines scrambling to keep passengers safe and minimize disruption.

— Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

Except in the extreme, legislators are loath to devalue local autonomy while also prioritizing delivery of state aid to diminish local tax burdens.

— David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
While rain chances will diminish, clouds will hang tough through much of the day, and northeast winds will pick up slightly to 5 to 10 mph.

— Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminish

Verb

Although bullying usually runs down the chain of power – for example, from a boss to an employee – grade bullying flips that.

— Jason Walker, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026
The trial for a man accused of fatally running down his 17-year-old girlfriend in Burlington in 2023 continued Monday with his attorney disputing the findings of the medical examiner who ruled the death a homicide.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of run down

Verb

The European Union played down expectations for an agreement anytime soon.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
The ministry played down the significance of the incident, saying that alerts are distributed through regional and municipal systems such as sirens and loudspeakers, SMS messages and media broadcasts.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026