laugh off

verb

Definition of laugh offnext
as in to minimize

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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 laugh off Prince William laughed off the question from Heart Breakfast hosts Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026 The casual references to him as a billionaire, however, is one gibe that Lamont laughs off. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 13 Apr. 2026 The camera quickly cut to Chalamet, who laughed off the joke. — Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026 Some people will laugh off that idea; greatness is hard to define in an age when everyone has their own criteria for that label. — Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laugh off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laugh off
  1. minimize
  2. play down
  3. shrug off
  4. discount
  5. undervalue
  6. belittle
  7. underrate
Verb
  • That dynamic undoubtedly minimizes the adjustment associated with staff upheaval.
    — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Mazama Energy’s demonstrated superhot rock platform optimizes well construction, drilling, and stimulation to boost power capacity while minimizing water use, land footprint, and well counts.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • Going into the summer, recruiting a left-back was on the agenda, though Newcastle feel Dedic and Livramento’s ability to play down both flanks provides enough cover.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • With the Kroenke deal, the Angels will plug into a much larger sports and media ecosystem that should benefit the team that has always played down the road in Orange County in the shadow of the region’s beloved Los Angeles Dodgers franchise.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of play down
Verb
  • Latter-day stars politely shrug off the comparisons; fans are chastened by having witnessed how fame — and a craving for control — undid their favorite performer.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Iraola shrugged off concerns about the balance of the attack given that Barcola, Munoz, Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha all prefer to play off the left flank.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of shrug off
Verb
  • The cost to book the arena in those days was a whopping $1,000 a night, though that was discounted to $688 for the American Legion veterans.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The service, which would let Costco members order discounted products and services directly from several dozen companies, was shuttered recently.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of discount
Verb
  • Deutsche Bank upgrades SiriusXM to buy from hold Deutsche said shares are undervalued.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • For decades, America’s dietitians have struggled against low salaries, the product of a system in which preventive care, including nutrition, is undervalued.
    — Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of undervalue
Verb
  • The elastic insult is meant to belittle the target as inauthentic, attention-hungry, unserious, and unmanly.
    — Erik Forrest Jackson, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Even the teammate who bestowed a belittling nickname upon him can’t wrap his head around Messick’s first year in the majors.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of belittle
Verb
  • To pretend otherwise, to act as if survival in these conditions is simply beyond this group, underrates them but is fundamentally far too kind to them.
    — Ben Jones, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Garrett Wilson is underrated and has consistently been a 1,000-yard receiver when healthy.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of underrate

Browse Nearby Words

laughingstocks
laugh off
laughs
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Cite this Entry

“Laugh off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laugh%20off. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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