1
as in to dismiss
to express scornfully one's low opinion of
out of sheer envy, she would always play down her sister's accomplishments
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to minimize
to reduce in apparent importance
if you play down your part in the project, you won't get the credit you deserve
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of play down
Central bank Governor Yang Chin-long played down the impact of local currency volatility at the last policy meeting in June.
—
Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
However, Aston Martin CEO and team principal Andy Cowell played down the rumors of a Russell signing in the lead-up to Silverstone.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Watches of Switzerland Earnings Call On an earnings call, Watches of Switzerland CEO Brian Duffy played down the possibility of the company’s product collection being impacted by the tariffs.
—Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
In another development Monday, Leavitt appeared to play down Trump calling into question the future of Iran’s ruling theocracy, seemingly contradicting his administration’s earlier calls on Tehran to resume negotiations and avoid an escalation in fighting.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
However, Aston Martin CEO and team principal Andy Cowell played down the rumors of a Russell signing in the lead-up to Silverstone.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Watches of Switzerland Earnings Call On an earnings call, Watches of Switzerland CEO Brian Duffy played down the possibility of the company’s product collection being impacted by the tariffs.
—Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
In another development Monday, Leavitt appeared to play down Trump calling into question the future of Iran’s ruling theocracy, seemingly contradicting his administration’s earlier calls on Tehran to resume negotiations and avoid an escalation in fighting.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play down
Verb
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The felony charges were dismissed with prejudice, meaning they can't be refiled.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
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Doctors dismissed the spider bite and didn’t give her a clear explanation.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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This can look like: Taking accountability for your actions or lack thereof without deflecting responsibility or minimizing its impact.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
31 July 2025
Verb
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Upon seeing Tamura, the cleaner ran down the hall, taking her rolling garbage can on wheels with her, Chell said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
30 July 2025
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Meanwhile Neymar was already running down the line to celebrate.—
Joseph O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers downplayed the episode in a statement to CNN.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
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The Fed staff downplayed the inscription as a joke.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Fortune,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The 53-year-old artist shared an Instagram video where animals are wearing human clothing and doing human activity while talking down on the current music landscape.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
9 June 2025
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Don’t patronize, don’t over-explain, don’t talk down to them in any way.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
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In 2024, Paul Weiss didn’t soft-pedal its liberal leanings.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2025
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Goldberg Tuesday scoffed at the denials and efforts to soft-pedal the extent and potential danger of the breach.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The Stars regularly raise prices on their services while diminishing their quality.—
Kenny Jacoby,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Some write off his impressive numbers as stat padding.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
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Insurance companies can completely write off vehicles with water damage due to mechanical complications.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20down. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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