soft-pedal 1 of 2

verb

ˈsȯf(t)-ˈpe-dᵊl How to pronounce soft-pedal (audio)
Definition of soft-pedalnext
as in to downplay
to reduce in apparent importance she politely tries to soft-pedal her accomplishments when talking to less fortunate people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

soft pedal

2 of 2

noun

as in damper

Related Words

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 soft-pedal
Verb
But a communications strategy designed to soft-pedal radioactive contamination of food won’t make America healthy. — Washington Post, 22 Jan. 2026 In fact, several of the investigators believed the shooting was intentional, and that the Biden administration had actually soft-pedaled the investigation’s findings to appease Israel. — Scott Griffen, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
But at least Chalamet doesn’t try to soft pedal Dylan’s surliness and careerism, and his vocal re-creations are mostly spot on. — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2025 Authors aimed at the business market tend to soft pedal AI, speaking only about the benefits while downplaying or outright ignoring the dangers. — David A. Teich, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for soft-pedal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soft-pedal
  1. downplay
  2. damper
  3. minimize
  4. mute
  5. dismiss
  6. muffler
  7. softener
Verb
  • The filing suggested replacing it with an outdoor amphitheater, though administration officials have downplayed the idea as a present plan.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Despite being praised for their actions, some of those involved downplayed the recognition.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of downplay
Noun
  • The twin-valve dampers and air suspension have been recalibrated in Touring, Bentley, and Sport modes.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The problem is that W tends to put a significant damper on gatherings.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of damper
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
Noun
  • At its heart is 17 year old dance student Xiaoliu, who returns home on leave after an unsettling encounter at school leaves her mute.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Almost a decade ago, Jon Bernthal and Tom Holland starred in a little movie called Pilgrimage, in which the former is a mute and the latter is his sole companion.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 July 2026
Definition of mute
Verb
  • But Smith dismissed the idea that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was trying to boost his chances in upcoming domestic elections.
    — Samantha Subin,CJ Haddad,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Also Tuesday, just after court was dismissed, Dawn Light, 56, of Sutton, Massachusetts, was arrested outside the courthouse in Plymouth, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts State Police confirmed.
    — Blayne Alexander, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Noun
  • MnDOT officials say no signs are needed for law enforcement officers to enforce the state’s muffler and motor vehicle noise limits laws.
    — Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Bearing the brunt of our new climate reality, of course, is the simmering countryside, desert dry and ready to ignite from the first mechanical spark, hot muffler, or flying ember.
    — John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of muffler
Noun
  • So, the researchers treated them with glycerol, which works as a softener.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Another addition to consider is a water softener in your shower head.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 July 2026
Definition of softener

Browse Nearby Words

softness
soft-pedal
soft pedal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Soft-pedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft-pedal. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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