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
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 play down
Both players have played down the rivalry, but their fan bases are often vociferous in their dislike of the opposing player.
—
Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
Beijing is playing down the effect of the trade war, but as negotiators held talks last weekend with their U.S. counterparts, its impact was obvious.
—Li Yuan, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Why most experts get overlooked on LinkedIn Many experienced professionals approach LinkedIn like a digital resume, playing down their achievements and thinking modesty matters more than visibility.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Florida is 14 for 15 on the penalty kill so far this series, and the Panthers have allowed just 13 total shots on goal over the four game when playing down a skater.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
Beijing is playing down the effect of the trade war, but as negotiators held talks last weekend with their U.S. counterparts, its impact was obvious.
—Li Yuan, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Why most experts get overlooked on LinkedIn Many experienced professionals approach LinkedIn like a digital resume, playing down their achievements and thinking modesty matters more than visibility.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Florida is 14 for 15 on the penalty kill so far this series, and the Panthers have allowed just 13 total shots on goal over the four game when playing down a skater.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play down
Verb
-
Despite seeking help from her local GP, her concerns were initially dismissed.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
6 June 2025
-
Congressional Republicans, many of whom had also grown annoyed with Musk over the last few months, have largely dismissed the billionaire’s fiery opposition to the bill.—
Phil Mattingly,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety 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,
1 June 2025
-
While not always the case, most stairwells are located in the center of a building, away from windows and exterior walls, which can help minimize damage from weather events.—
Maddie Topliff,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 June 2025
Verb
-
Of course, temperatures below 32 degrees or a poor connection to the Arlo base station will run down the battery much more quickly.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
-
The last time the Olympic long hurdles champion ran down in distance was in May of 2024, with the New Jersey native clocking an impressive time of 12.71 in the women’s 100 meter hurdles at the Occidental Invitational in California.—
Cory Mull,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
But Glasnow downplayed the issue and plans to throw a bullpen session this weekend.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
In it, a fortune teller (Vanessa Bayer) reads Tess and Anna’s palms and marvels at the fact that their life lines have intertwined in the past, while the mother-daughter duo tries to downplay that incident.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
Some say the programs are too dry, or talk down to younger investors, or feel outdated.—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
5 June 2025
-
Status items such as $250 shoes are talked down to the $50 model, but an $800 bed for better sleep could be approved, Schuchert said.—
Doug Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In 2024, Paul Weiss didn’t soft-pedal its liberal leanings.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2025
-
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
-
The 25-year-old’s sample might be small, but in an era of diminishing workloads, Zack Wheeler and Max Fried are the only current starters averaging 6 1/3 innings.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
-
Augmenting Human Relationships with AI AI's role in enhancing efficiency does not diminish the need for human expertise in B2B interactions.—
John Bruno,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
While surrounding states like Illinois and Minnesota have moved to the left, and Wisconsin leans blue, despite swinging for Trump in 2024, Iowa has largely been written off as a red state.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
8 June 2025
-
Before Trump’s 2017 tax bill, the constituents could write off their state and local taxes.—
Tobias Burns,
The Hill,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20down. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share