1
as in dismissing
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 reducing
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
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Recent Examples of writing off
Instead of writing off the cost of certain assets over several years, businesses can generally deduct the full cost upfront, within limits.
—
Forbes Money Team, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Also since the press conference, some doctors have begun writing off-label prescriptions for autistic children, against the advice of medical groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026
Last week started with the big banks delivering strong earnings and ended with regional lenders writing off bad loans.
—Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2025
The mistake is writing off these sayings as coach speak.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
No one is writing off the Lions by any means (Detroit and Green Bay have the shortest odds to win the NFC after Philadelphia).
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Playoff hopes may be dimming, but the New England Revolution is not writing off the 2025 season as its front office presses on with an active summer transfer window.
—Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
Forbes Money Team, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Also since the press conference, some doctors have begun writing off-label prescriptions for autistic children, against the advice of medical groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026
Last week started with the big banks delivering strong earnings and ended with regional lenders writing off bad loans.
—Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2025
The mistake is writing off these sayings as coach speak.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
No one is writing off the Lions by any means (Detroit and Green Bay have the shortest odds to win the NFC after Philadelphia).
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Playoff hopes may be dimming, but the New England Revolution is not writing off the 2025 season as its front office presses on with an active summer transfer window.
—Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for writing off
Verb
-
Despite the extraordinary decision, Mejia remained in custody while the case returned to Travis County — where was convicted and sentenced to life in prison — for the final legal step of dismissing the charges.—
Austin Sanders,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Mar. 2026
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In February, Judge Arun Subramanian handed down a summary judgment dismissing that claim.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Many gardeners embrace biodiversity in turf areas to support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife while reducing the inputs needed for lawn maintenance.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
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That means potentially shutting down or reducing ice time for some of its biggest stars who are playing through nagging injuries.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Astronaut menus are carefully constructed to maximize nutrition and calories while minimizing storage requirements, preparation needs, and the possibility of contamination.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Some people were literally sitting in their rooms all night writing down notes.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The idea of writing down your arguments came from a technique used by debaters.—
Jeff Banowetz,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
During pregnancy, the two vertical muscles running down the front of your abdomen, the rectus abdominis muscles, must stretch to accommodate your growing baby.—
Jennifer Byrne,
Popular Science,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The elbow-length collared shirt featured a plunging neckline and an opaque panel running down the very middle of her chest, leaving her bare sides and back covered in just the see-through material.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The store is continually marking down wedding dresses and other items, with discounts currently reaching as high as 50% off.—
Jenna Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Misfits is a great example of a show for a teenage audience that respects its demographic rather than talking down to them.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Forever captures the rush and confusion of first love without talking down to its audience.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
14 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Puerto Rico is missing Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa due to insurance restrictions, considerably diminishing their firepower, but have solid pitching and the advantage of playing at home in their group stage.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Palomar’s 48 partner agencies are similarly affected by diminishing VOCA funds.—
Maddy Keyes,
The Frontier,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Writing off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/writing%20off. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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