Antonyms for the phrase "laughing away" can include words like somber, serious, solemn, grim, or glum. While someone who is "laughing away" a situation may be finding humor and joy in their circumstances, these antonyms suggest a more depressive or negative emotional state. Alternatively, someone may be "laughing away" a problem to avoid facing it directly, while antonyms like confronting, addressing, or tackling may suggest a more proactive approach. Ultimately, the choice of antonym depends on the context of the situation and the desired emotional tone.