soft-pedal
1 of 2verb
soft-ped·al ˈsȯf(t)-ˈpe-dᵊl 
soft-pedaled; soft-pedaling; soft-pedals
transitive verb
1
: play down, de-emphasize
soft-pedal the issue
2
: to use the soft pedal in playing
soft pedal
2 of 2noun
1
: a foot pedal on a piano that reduces the volume of sound
2
: something that muffles, deadens, or reduces effect
Synonyms
Verb
- de-emphasize
- downplay
- play down
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Marcus Overton, sandiegouniontribune.com, 8 Jan. 2018
Noun
This is a two-part skill; his superb legato (or connected articulation) on the keyboard was heightened by skillful deployment of both the sustaining and the soft pedal. Marcus Overton, sandiegouniontribune.com, 8 Jan. 2018 Word History
First Known Use
Verb
1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1
soft-pedals 1 of 2
verb
as in downplays
to reduce in apparent importance she politely tries to soft-pedal her accomplishments when talking to less fortunate people Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- downplays
- minimizes
- dismisses
- de-emphasizes
- underplays
- plays down
- understates
- derogates
- denigrates
- decries
- disparages
- deprecates
- belittles
- talks down
- cries down
- bad-mouths
- runs down
- trashes
- depreciates
- trash-talks
- kisses off
- poor-mouths
- puts down
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- exaggerates
- overstates
- overdoes
- elaborates
- embellishes
- overdraws
- stretches
- magnifies
- embroiders
- pads
- overemphasizes
- fudges
- hedges
- overplays
- sensationalizes
- melodramatizes
soft pedals
2 of 2noun
as in quieters
Synonyms & Similar Words
- quieters
- softeners
- dampers
- mutes
- mufflers