TALKING DOWN Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

talking down

verb

present participle of talk down

as in dismissing

to express scornfully one's low opinion of a company that prefers to talk up its own products rather than talk down those of its competitors

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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 talking down Police chief Fuller is correct — talking down a place can be self-fulfilling. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Leadership training disputes The lawsuit alleges Petersen began subjecting Kennon to discriminatory treatment around January 2024, including talking down to her, ignoring her and questioning her judgment. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026 Any emphasis in his Jackson Hole address on his commitment to 2% inflation could help in talking down long bond yields. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 Not talking down to them, and tackling real subject matter that’s universal, about family and relationships and nature versus nurture and grief. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2026 The Malheur standoff also drew in the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, which Northern California sheriffs credited for talking down the Henrichsens and ending last month’s kidnapping without bloodshed. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 9 Aug. 2026 In a daring high-wire act high above the East River, fearless NYPD cops spent nearly an hour on a span of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge talking down a woman desperately threatening to jump. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026 Politicos everywhere are talking down Johnson’s chances. — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026 During his remarks, Beshear accused Vance, whose memoir explores issues such as poverty and the lack of opportunity in Appalachia and the Rust Belt, of talking down to the people of Kentucky. — Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for talking down

Verb

Things get even more alarming when Eidra can’t reach Tom Libby and reports start rolling in that Vaughn is dismissing everyone in Trowbridge’s government who’d had a significant relationship with Kate and her team.

— Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Citing 2026 laureate Navi Pillay—known for charging Israel with genocide and dismissing free speech—Schatz warns the award now rewards ideological insider posturing rather than genuine efforts to achieve international peace.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of dismissing

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

Blair had tears running down her face, while her team worked to explain what happened.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
The Saudis may also be able to procure more air defense systems from Europe and the US, after running down shipments delivered at the start of the conflict with Iran.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of running down

Verb

That global warming is diminishing them might sounds counterintuitive — climate change, after all, is worsening much of the world’s extreme weather.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Winds will finally begin diminishing Friday evening and overnight.

— Michael Autovino, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminishing

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

Not writing off this year yet, but the window is '27-'30 for this group.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Going forward, Brock, who’s based in Los Angeles and plans to release three collections a year, isn’t writing off the idea of a runway show—maybe in the City of Light.

— Laura Neilson, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2026