1
as in dismissing
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 minimizing
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 playing down
The azul and chrome won the round of 16 opener 3-2 at Snapdragon Stadium, holding on despite playing down one man for the most of the match and down two men for the final minutes of regulation and all of stoppage time.
—
Apress, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Instead of taking a low profile and playing down any claims to Taiwan’s independent status like his more cautious DPP predecessor Tsai Ying-wen, Lai has lurched toward formal independence with a succession of speeches making the case for Taiwanese nationhood.
—Lyle Goldstein, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Before this weekend’s game, Town manager Gavin Macpherson was playing down the rivalry.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
After a week of playing down to – and then slightly lower than – their last-place opponents, the Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 9-0 victory on Wednesday night.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
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
Apress, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Instead of taking a low profile and playing down any claims to Taiwan’s independent status like his more cautious DPP predecessor Tsai Ying-wen, Lai has lurched toward formal independence with a succession of speeches making the case for Taiwanese nationhood.
—Lyle Goldstein, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Before this weekend’s game, Town manager Gavin Macpherson was playing down the rivalry.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
After a week of playing down to – and then slightly lower than – their last-place opponents, the Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 9-0 victory on Wednesday night.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing down
Verb
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Haitian law also forbids dismissing workers for union activities.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Ferguson took 3-16, dismissing Linde to end the innings.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Even the Spotted Stone bar gets in on the eco action, utilizing all ingredients and minimizing waste (lemon and lime skins are processed and used to make homemade syrups for cocktails, for example).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 2026
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The microbiome also benefits from aerobic exercise, reduced stress and consistent sleep, as well as minimizing antibiotics and even having a pet — especially a dog, Cryan says.—
Holly Haber,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The phone hit Green near his ear, with blood quickly running down his neck following the impact.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
15 Mar. 2026
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What the picture didn’t document were the tears running down Marilyn’s cheeks.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Those quotes were used to provide context and avoid downplaying the role of slavery in the Confederate rebellion, according to a former Harpers Ferry media specialist who inserted them.—
Karin Brulliard,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
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There is no downplaying what’s happening here.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Worldfor never talking down to me or being too afraid to address the hard things in life.—
Anna Earl,
Parents,
12 Mar. 2026
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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
Verb
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Over time, your appliance builds up with minerals from hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, diminishing its ability to effectively clean your items.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
14 Mar. 2026
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The drumbeat for the diminishing prospects of the first-run syndication business has been growing louder over the past few years amid a shrinking marketplace.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In addition to changing federal regulations, such as the end of up to $7,500 in federal tax credits, the R2 comes to market as many automakers are pulling back their EV plans or writing off billions of dollars in losses amid slower-than-expected adoption of the vehicles.—
Michael Wayland,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Playing down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing%20down. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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