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
Relevance
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
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 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
-
But dismissing or minimizing disappointment can unintentionally teach children to ignore or suppress emotions.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Parents,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Ignoring or outright dismissing Black parents who seek options is not progress — or progressive.—
Darius Jones,
New York Daily News,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In addition to the effects of the pandemic and tariffs, climate issues — drought in Vietnam, heavy rain in Indonesia, and hot, dry weather in Brazil — are blamed for reducing yields of coffee crops and driving up global prices.—
Matt Sedensky,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
-
That means air traffic controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration will receive paychecks as usual, reducing the risk of widespread flight cancellations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Parchment paper is an essential kitchen tool, helping cooks and bakers prepare flawless dishes while minimizing cleanup.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The innovative idea also focuses on reducing operational costs, minimizing the requirement for buying expensive land to build data centers.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
However, most companies would be writing down tens of millions on the film.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Committing to a few simple daily swaps, such as writing down grocery lists or flipping through a newspaper, can encourage you to put down your phone and be more present.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Several reservoirs, including Loch Lomond, the main water supply for the city of Santa Cruz, and Lake Cachuma, the largest reservoir in Santa Barbara County, were 100% full on Wednesday, with water running down their spillways.—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The Patriots bounced back immediately and showed some life after a streaker interrupted the game by running down the field and avoiding security guards.—
Doug Kyed,
Hartford Courant,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Forever captures the rush and confusion of first love without talking down to its audience.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
14 Dec. 2025
-
Never met someone successful ever talking down to someone online.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
All there is to do, sometimes, is know in your heart of hearts that a nuanced piece of literature and a provocative and deviant piece of pop culture can exist alongside each other without one diminishing the other.—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The airport’s current name is widely recognized and respected, and altering it would only create confusion while diminishing the local identity.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Writing off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/writing%20off. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
