as in to minimize
to reduce in apparent importance
you're at a point in your career where you can de-emphasize your academic record and emphasize your work experience
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Recent Examples of de-emphasize
However, Sempra is in the process of de-emphasizing its LNG investments.
—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Everything less relevant should be ruthlessly de-emphasized (or removed) to prevent it from diluting your signal.
—
Volen Vulkov,
Forbes.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Old-line liberals have blasted the democratic socialist for de-emphasizing a police presence in favor of volunteers and contract workers armed with little more than overdose kits, notepads and phone numbers.
—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
The Giants also appear to be de-emphasizing Dart as a runner to keep him healthy, which could lead to him getting a higher volume of passing attempts in Week 15.
—
Jacob Camenker,
USA Today,
14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Everything less relevant should be ruthlessly de-emphasized (or removed) to prevent it from diluting your signal.
—
Volen Vulkov,
Forbes.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Old-line liberals have blasted the democratic socialist for de-emphasizing a police presence in favor of volunteers and contract workers armed with little more than overdose kits, notepads and phone numbers.
—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
The Giants also appear to be de-emphasizing Dart as a runner to keep him healthy, which could lead to him getting a higher volume of passing attempts in Week 15.
—
Jacob Camenker,
USA Today,
14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-emphasize
Verb
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To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
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Keep all windows and doors closed so your pet cannot easily escape, and draw the shades to minimize the sound and flashes of light.
Verb
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Streamers including Netflix have downplayed their interest in taking on solo ownership of the Emmys and the fact hat none of these companies has snapped up the rights so far is telling.
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Kevin Hassett, director of the White House's National Economic Council, downplayed Thursday's report, pointing to a positive trend for the labor market in previous months.
Verb
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In April, the Superior Court dismissed the three citations Hubbard received in May 2025 when no park ranger or city attorney appeared for the prosecution, his lawsuit states.
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Freeney did not dismiss the business side of the arrangement.
Verb
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Questlove is too much of a humanist to soft-pedal’s Maurice White’s contradictions.
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Old school with a gift for storytelling, Simon was not one to soft-pedal his mentees.
Cite this Entry
“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-emphasize. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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