play down

verb

played down; playing down; plays down
Synonyms of play downnext

transitive verb

: to attach little importance to : minimize
He humbly played down his role in the research.

Synonyms of play down

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Examples of play down in a Sentence

out of sheer envy, she would always play down her sister's accomplishments if you play down your part in the project, you won't get the credit you deserve
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The industry is one of the key drivers of Indian economic growth and middle-class expansion, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played down job displacement concerns. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Often times, Europeans play down the ideological motive and cite mental health. — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Iranian state television earlier played down the outcome of the Iran-Oman discussions, citing a person familiar with the matter as saying an agreement between Tehran and Muscat would not necessarily mean the strait would open immediately. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 Merseyside sources have played down suggestions of a formal bid for the Canada international, but talks have taken place between the two clubs. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for play down

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of play down was in 1930

Rhymes for play down

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Browse Nearby Words

play doctor
play down
play ducks and drakes with
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20down. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

play down

verb
: to attach little importance to : minimize

More from Merriam-Webster on play down

Nglish: Translation of play down for Spanish Speakers

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