as in to minimize
to reduce in apparent importance
he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of downplay
Continue reading … TRUTH ON TRIAL – UN blasted for report accusing Israel of genocide while downplaying Hamas terror.
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FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The administration has sought to downplay the arrangement.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025
The report went on to allege that aircraft manufacturers and airlines have downplayed health risks, lobbied against the adoption of certain safety measures, and made harmful cost-cutting changes.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Trump last week downplayed the gravity of Russia’s drone incursion in Poland, as European leaders called it an intentional probe of NATO’s defenses and unity.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The administration has sought to downplay the arrangement.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025
The report went on to allege that aircraft manufacturers and airlines have downplayed health risks, lobbied against the adoption of certain safety measures, and made harmful cost-cutting changes.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Trump last week downplayed the gravity of Russia’s drone incursion in Poland, as European leaders called it an intentional probe of NATO’s defenses and unity.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplay
Verb
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Shea butter and hyaluronic acid join coconut and Kalahari melon oils to add a surge of strand-softening hydration, minimizing shrinkage in the process.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Traders establish firm processes on when to buy and when to sell—supported with limit orders—to minimize emotional decision-making.—
Catherine Brock,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This adds to anticipation over whether the judge will decide that the case can proceed in Delaware and if dismissed, will the Macrons appeal or refile elsewhere.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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In court filings, Burnell has argued the council lacks the legal basis to sue and asked for the claims to be dismissed.—
Killian Baarlaer,
Louisville Courier Journal,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Nothing grates quite like those slick pharmaceutical ads blaring across the TV, promising quick fixes while soft-pedaling potential side effects.—
Alex Ward,
Boston Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
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This soft-pedalling impulse is evident in the revival’s treatment of Hank’s next-door neighbor Dale, a conspiracy nut who blames the U.N., the U.S. military, and the Cuban government for life’s inconveniences.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplay. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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