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
  • In a statement, ICE downplayed the significance of the memo, which said the new guidance was intended to replace and amend prior directives issued earlier this year, last year and in 2018.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • When asked about rampant rumors that Sarandos had been courting HBO/HBO Max content chairman Casey Bloys for a job or production deal, the exec downplayed it.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of downplay
Noun
  • This Dodge Charger reboot in Scat Pack form isn’t a cush highway cruiser, but the adaptive dampers keep it from getting skittish over broken Midwest pavement.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Fang Cheng Bao Meanwhile, the DiSus-M (Magnetorheological Fluid Damping System) uses magnetorheological (MR) fluid dampers instead of air chambers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of damper
Verb
  • The Bonding Shampoo gently cleanses hair and scalp, while the Hair Bonding Treatment delivers a more intensive dose of the brand’s Peptide-132 complex to help strengthen damaged strands and minimize breakage and split ends.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Federal wildlife managers euthanized 28,000 animals in California in 2025 and dispersed about 1 million more as part of a nationwide program meant to control invasive species and minimize danger to people, pets and livestock, new data shows.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 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
  • Tinubu was not criminally charged, and the case was dismissed with prejudice after the money was forfeited.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • After a Washtenaw County Court judge dismissed the suit, Shriver refiled the FOIA case in Michigan’s Court of Claims last month.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Noun
  • The active exhaust system has been given a unique more muted acoustic tune thanks to sophisticated double gas-flow mixing inside the rear muffler.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Under the new law, only those that use liquid fuel require a muffler.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of muffler
Noun
  • That might mean treating the water with a softener, periodically removing buildup from your fixtures and hair or simply living with a little extra scale around the faucet.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
  • So, the researchers treated them with glycerol, which works as a softener.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of softener

Browse Nearby Words

softness
soft-pedal
soft pedal
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Cite this Entry

“Soft-pedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft-pedal. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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