LAUGHING OFF Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

laughing off

verb

present participle of laugh off

as in shrugging off

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughing off

Verb

But on Tuesday, senators failed to advance the firms’ top legislative priority, shrugging off the threat of tens of millions of dollars that still could hit them this fall.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Part of it is that more women are speaking up about hair loss, shrugging off the stigma and reaching out for help.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of shrugging off

Verb

Mudryk, a right-footed forward best known for playing down the left, is among Leeds’ preferred options and talks are ongoing with Chelsea, despite an initial knock-back.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
In response to the concerns, companies including Amazon and Microsoft have been playing down the issue, saying the data center water use can be done responsibly, or sourced from wastewater.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of playing down

Verb

According to Healthline, testosterone may help protect the brain by slowing nerve cell death, promoting regeneration after injury, minimizing nerve damage and reducing inflammation in the nervous system.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Other Preventative Aphid Control Good garden hygiene, even during the fall and winter months, is crucial for minimizing harborage areas for both overwintering aphid eggs and adults, according to Crumbley.

— Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of minimizing

Verb

People who post puerile, profane or belittling comments are protesters on a virtual street.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026
Though Paulina typically spends her days belittling her friends and humiliating Nana, presently, her focus is on something grander.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of belittling

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.

Browse Nearby Words

laughingly

laughing off

laughingstock

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“Laughing off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughing%20off. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of laughing off

verb

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