The word “tout” can mean to promote or praise something or someone excessively, or to try to sell something aggressively. Here are some antonyms and an analysis:
Downplay: This is an antonym when “tout” means to overly promote. “Downplay” means to make something seem less important or significant. For example, “Rather than touting his achievements, he chose to downplay them.” While touting emphasizes and exaggerates, downplaying minimizes and understates.
Criticize: When someone is touting something, they are usually praising it. “Criticize” is the opposite action, as it involves finding faults and expressing disapproval. For instance, “She criticized the product instead of touting its supposed benefits.”
Ignore: This can be an antonym in the sense that if one is touting something, they are bringing attention to it. “Ignore” means to pay no attention to. For example, “He ignored the advertisement that was being touted all over town.” While touting seeks to attract notice, ignoring deliberately turns away from something.
Deprecate: This word means to express disapproval of or belittle. Similar to criticizing, it is the opposite of touting. For example, “The professor deprecated the theory that had been so highly touted by others.”
In summary, these antonyms of “tout” represent actions or attitudes that are contrary to promoting, praising, or aggressively selling. They involve minimizing, criticizing, ignoring, or belittling instead.