play down

verb

played down; playing down; plays down

transitive verb

: to attach little importance to : minimize

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.
Friday's trip could prompt some uncomfortable conversations about climate change, which Trump has played down and denied. Will Weissert, arkansasonline.com, 25 Jan. 2025 The 18-year-old then missed the 3-0 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday, but manager Mikel Arteta has played down the extent of the injury. Art De Roché, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 But for the third game in a row and second at home, the Terps (14-5, 4-4 Big Ten) played down to the level of competition. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2025 The procedural move allows Minnesota to go over the salary cap and prevents the Wild from having to play down a man. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 16 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near play down

Cite this Entry

“Play down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20down. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

play down

verb
: to attach little importance to : minimize

More from Merriam-Webster on play down

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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