as in minimized
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-emphasized
The changes have included an overhaul of Google’s ubiquitous search engine that has de-emphasized a listing of relevant web links in its results and increasingly highlighted AI overviews and conversational responses provided through an AI mode.
—
Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-emphasized
Verb
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The report warned that neglect is often minimized within the child welfare system, where it can be conflated with poverty and social workers may be reluctant to penalize poor or minority parents who are juggling multiple jobs.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
7 Feb. 2026
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Foliage disease can be minimized by ensuring good air circulation within the crown through proper plant spacing.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Jamie Squire / Getty Images Seattle linebacker Patrick O’Connell, a Montana native, also downplayed the significance of a Super Bowl rematch with New England.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
8 Feb. 2026
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Yet, on Sunday, a Justice Department official downplayed the likelihood of any additional criminal charges.—
Claire Malon,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Both Beijing and Hong Kong’s government have repeatedly rejected international criticism of Lai’s prosecution and dismissed accusations that his jailing was politically motivated or an assault on press freedom.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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Karklin believes recreational flying and short-distance travel should not be dismissed.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In fact, several of the investigators believed the shooting was intentional, and that the Biden administration had actually soft-pedaled the investigation’s findings to appease Israel.—
Scott Griffen,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-emphasized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-emphasized. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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