write off

verb

Definition of write offnext
1
as in to dismiss
to express scornfully one's low opinion of most critics have already written off that director as a hack incapable of turning out anything but schlock

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reduce
to diminish the price or value of that one blunder will write off to nothing all the goodwill we've been building up

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 write off Speaking of decisions above you, Scott Patterson left the series after Season 3 and his character Sully (Maggie's dad) was written off the show. — Joelle Goldstein, USA Today, 2 July 2026 EBay is quietly rebuilding a growth story that many investors had already written off. — Tony Zhang, CNBC, 1 July 2026 Six politicians in black robes wrote off the voting rights of multitudes of Floridians in the latest case in just a half-page of text, refusing to take it away from the First District Court of Appeal and decide it promptly. — Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026 Which isn’t to write off the higher-concept grossout shtick — something of a big-screen novelty in 2026, when equivalent material is largely the preserve of witless TikTok content, executed with far less flair and good cheer. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for write off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for write off
  1. dismiss
  2. reduce
  3. minimize
  4. write down
  5. diminish
  6. run down
  7. play down
  8. talk down
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
Verb
  • Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Displaying tactical discipline and superior talent, the English national team defeated Mexico 3-2 with a lineup reduced to 10 men on Sunday night.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of reduce
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
Verb
  • During his treatment, he was isolated in a Sydney apartment and began writing down stories about his life and his family and friendships.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
  • State terms kindly, write down what matters, and let security grow through follow-through.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
Definition of write down
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • Kylian Mbappé’s powers were diminished in that tournament after sustaining a broken nose, while emerging stars like Michael Olise and Désiré Doué were yet to break through.
    — James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • Through a cutting run down the right from Declan Rice, England had the ball in a dangerous position.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • First, on a driving run down the middle of the field, his right-footer hit the post.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Definition of run down
Verb
  • In an interview with British newspaper The Times in 2024, Fricker played down her Oscar achievement.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • In Moscow, the Kremlin played down the importance of Fedorov's dismissal — despite his role in shaping Ukraine's attack drone program against the Russian interior.
    — Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 16 July 2026
Definition of play down
Verb
  • In a daring high-wire act high above the East River, fearless NYPD cops spent nearly an hour on a span of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge talking down a woman desperately threatening to jump.
    — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026
  • The movie goes from this weird, seedy love motel to the industrial backwaters, and these long walks and talks down empty streets.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
Definition of talk down

Browse Nearby Words

write-ins
write off
writer
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Cite this Entry

“Write off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/write%20off. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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