write off

verb

Definition of write offnext
1
as in to dismiss
to express scornfully one's low opinion of most critics have already written off that director as a hack incapable of turning out anything but schlock

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reduce
to diminish the price or value of that one blunder will write off to nothing all the goodwill we've been building up

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 write off Thai Union ended up losing its entire Red Lobster stake, writing off its $530 million investment in the company and announcing its intent to divest the chain in January 2024. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026 Lena Hardy, communications director for the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, said the city will increase shutoffs for eligible delinquent accounts, write off inactive accounts and hold corporations with unpaid balances accountable. — CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 Conway estimated the deal to be over $100 million less valuable for the city after his questions revealed a pledge by Stonepeak to share 5% of revenues would be weakened by the new owner’s ability to write off interest costs and depreciation. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 Some investors wrote off the growing chorus of concern around AI, saying the doomsday talk is a political tactic to encourage government regulation. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for write off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for write off
  1. dismiss
  2. reduce
  3. minimize
  4. write down
  5. diminish
  6. dump on
  7. run down
  8. play down
Verb
  • Ben-Gvir dismisses concerns that such policies would cement Israel’s status as a pariah state.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Lower courts had dismissed the case because Asian American students were not underrepresented at the magnet schools compared with the pool of students that applied.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • Integrating the interceptor into existing launch infrastructure could reduce the need for extensive equipment changes.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • People can donate clean costumes and pick a new one, reducing waste and the resources and emissions required to make new ones.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • The frack happening beneath us was about half as deep as Mount Everest is high, in a section of oil-rich rock that used to be considered out of reach; other innovations allow for simultaneous fracks, minimizing downtime.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Eco effort As a camp that focuses on conservation, minimizing environmental impact is the cornerstone of the Wilderness Desert Rhino ethos.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • The practice involves writing down your intrusive thoughts and fears, and even recording yourself talking about them, and playing that recording back to yourself.
    — Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • That is where the risk shows up, when someone is let go for missing a goal nobody wrote down.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of write down
Verb
  • Though apparently diminishing his own roster is part of the team's motivational playbook.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Granderson doesn’t believe that repeat celebrations diminish the significance of the ultimate prize, the World Series.
    — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • Lawson was found dead, dumped on the southbound Route 295 entrance ramp from the Westport neighborhood, in January 2022.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • There people everywhere, emotional support dogs taking dumps on the floor, and everything.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
Definition of dump on
Verb
  • The silhouette was mostly formfitting and streamlined, with emphasis at the hips and waist and a continuation of the contrasting sheer, black fabric running down the column skirt.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Models literally ran down the catwalk at times during Adidas’ high-octane show with multiple acts.
    — Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of run down
Verb
  • The Singapore Shipping Association also played down the prospect of a broad withdrawal of commercial shipping from the region, suggesting operators would instead adapt to changing trade conditions.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The president of the European Central Bank played down speculation about intervention in France’s ballooning budget crisis on Wednesday.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of play down

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write-ins
write off
writer
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Cite this Entry

“Write off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/write%20off. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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