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
In Warsh’s first meeting as chairman last month, the Fed held interest rates steady as other policymakers projected a likelihood of hiking interest rates before the end of the year — projections the chairman would downplay at a news conference.
—
Steve Kopack,
NBC news,
1 July 2026
For many years, critics frequently downplayed the soothing texture of Sade’s songs as mere aural wallpaper, mood music for lovemaking.
—
Al Shipley,
SPIN,
30 June 2026
Manager John Schneider quickly downplayed fears of a setback, clarifying Barger's visit was for an in-person assessment, not due to a new injury.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra at the time downplayed the confrontation, with the Heat routinely making peace after acquiring former Heat instigators.
—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Steve Kopack,
NBC news,
1 July 2026
For many years, critics frequently downplayed the soothing texture of Sade’s songs as mere aural wallpaper, mood music for lovemaking.
—
Al Shipley,
SPIN,
30 June 2026
Manager John Schneider quickly downplayed fears of a setback, clarifying Barger's visit was for an in-person assessment, not due to a new injury.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra at the time downplayed the confrontation, with the Heat routinely making peace after acquiring former Heat instigators.
—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplay
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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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
“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplay. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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