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.
Ancelotti tried to play down the seriousness of the situation following a 3-2 win in Bergamo, yet the club then confirmed on Thursday that its number 9 has suffered an injury to his left thigh. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Fresh from the success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Tim Burton has played down reports he is set to work with Warner Bros again on a reboot of its 1958 classic Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman which is in development at the studio. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Nov. 2024 Pittsburgh’s offense was far from dominant, averaging just 4.2 yards per play, but Wilson is starting to look like his old self with his ability to make big plays down the field. C.j. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 12 Nov. 2024 Meet two enforcers ready to carry that out Yet those close to Trump are playing down the retribution talk, with many pointing to the Clinton example as a sign that campaign rhetoric doesn't mean legal action. Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2024 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 22 Dec. 2024.

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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