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
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While skepticism toward artificial intelligence is understandable, dismissing AI as inherently harmful overlooks both history and reality.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
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If doubts appear from seemingly nowhere, make a point of uncovering their roots before dismissing them.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Oatmeal specifically touts many benefits, including being a valuable source of numerous vitamins, antioxidants and fiber; moreover, studies indicate that the biochemical composition of the grain can help improve the gut microbiome in addition to reducing blood glucose levels as well.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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But since then, SpaceX too has worked on reducing the brightness of its satellites.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
25 Jan. 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.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
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Jagaric notes that, aside from thongs, these are among the best seamless underwear options for comfort and for minimizing the risk of panty lines.—
Abby Morgan Lebet,
InStyle,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In lieu of a conversation, consider writing down your feelings in a letter.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Steele had spent the previous day writing down notes about Suder and other players, preparing for the conversations and expecting to have to sell them on staying at Miami.—
Tim Casey,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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With the shot clock running down, Franklin passed the ball from the near mid-pool to Franklin positioned in front of the Beckman goal.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
23 Jan. 2026
-
People just running down the street.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
23 Jan. 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
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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
-
But while the statement is getting a lot of attention, the far bigger story in Ottawa is the team’s diminishing playoff odds.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The committee’s Democratic members savaged Rubio for diminishing America’s global role; the meeting grew so rancorous that Senator Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho who was Rubio’s closest friend in the Senate, had to repeatedly bang his gavel to bring order.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Writing off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/writing%20off. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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