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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of play down
There’s usually a physical requirement, as well as severely playing down the high-wattage glamor that got you on red carpets in the first place.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025
The Chiefs know something about playing down a man or two at the position.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2025
That would seem to bode well for a team that has rarely played down to its competition this season.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Nix's fine play down the stretch, along with a few notable offseason additions, has led to some rosy predictions for the Broncos this coming season.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025
The Chiefs know something about playing down a man or two at the position.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2025
That would seem to bode well for a team that has rarely played down to its competition this season.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Nix's fine play down the stretch, along with a few notable offseason additions, has led to some rosy predictions for the Broncos this coming season.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play down
Verb
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This adds to anticipation over whether the judge will decide that the case can proceed in Delaware and if dismissed, will the Macrons appeal or refile elsewhere.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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In court filings, Burnell has argued the council lacks the legal basis to sue and asked for the claims to be dismissed.—
Killian Baarlaer,
Louisville Courier Journal,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Shea butter and hyaluronic acid join coconut and Kalahari melon oils to add a surge of strand-softening hydration, minimizing shrinkage in the process.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Traders establish firm processes on when to buy and when to sell—supported with limit orders—to minimize emotional decision-making.—
Catherine Brock,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Rosie runs down the road to greet her owner.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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The go-ahead touchdown was a strike to Ebube Okwelume, who ran down the sideline for a 77-yard score.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Fed chief similarly downplayed Miran’s recent mention of the third mandate for the central bank to target moderate long-term rates.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
20 Sep. 2025
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Shamrocks coach Jay Cobb downplayed the history, saying his team always has focused more on a possible second game against Male in the playoffs.—
Rich Barak,
Louisville Courier Journal,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Challenge them, don’t talk down to them.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Worldfor never talking down to me or being too afraid to address the hard things in life.—
Anna Earl,
Parents,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Nothing grates quite like those slick pharmaceutical ads blaring across the TV, promising quick fixes while soft-pedaling potential side effects.—
Alex Ward,
Boston Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
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This soft-pedalling impulse is evident in the revival’s treatment of Hank’s next-door neighbor Dale, a conspiracy nut who blames the U.N., the U.S. military, and the Cuban government for life’s inconveniences.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But with Burrow now looking likely to miss the majority of the regular season, those chances look severely diminished.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
16 Sep. 2025
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One potential problem with this set-up is that the SCORE Act diminishes the role of state law in subject areas traditionally governed by states.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Even defeat here wouldn't completely write off those chances for either side, but there's no doubt a post-season push looks all the more likely for the outfit that can move to 4-0.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
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Cracker Barrel was forced to write off the entire investment.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20down. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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