Meaning

To reduce the volume of (music, a sound, etc.)..

Definitions by Sense

1. To reduce the volume of (music, a sound, etc.).
2. To reduce the force or impact of (something); to damp, to mute; especially, to minimize the less desirable aspects of (something); to play down, to tone down.
3. To attempt to persuade someone about (something) through understatement, so that the listener accepts the good points as obvious.
4. (intransitive, figuratively) Chiefly followed by on: to act in a less assertive or forceful manner.

Example Sentences

But when the first female also-ran at a convention merits such hoopla and hosannas, then it is harder for viewers to understand why the Democrats seem intent on soft-pedaling their presumptive nominee's arguably more remarkable breakthrough.

Word Forms

• soft-pedals
• soft-pedaling
• soft-pedalling
• soft-pedaled
• soft-pedalled

Synonyms for soft-pedal

Antonyms for soft-pedal

Related Words

When Should You Use Soft-pedal?

Use soft-pedal when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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