as in minimizing
to reduce in apparent importance
he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success
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Recent Examples of downplaying
Some in Israel accuse United Nations observers and human rights groups of downplaying the issue.
—
Matt Bradley, NBC news, 14 May 2026
As Starlink gains traction as a potential disruptor to traditional ISPs, Verizon’s CEO is downplaying the threat, predicting that satellite rivals SpaceX and Amazon will remain niche internet providers in the US.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 May 2026
Meanwhile, Merck was accused of downplaying the significant cardiovascular risks associated with the drug.
—Sukhun Kang, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
To say Alma Allen’s presentation is highly anticipated would be downplaying things quite a bit.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 5 May 2026
After downplaying the prospect of a new album in recent interviews, Grande began posting hints to the contrary in March, like a flower emoji in her Instagram bio.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026
When addressing Chasing Horse, Peterson took on a stern tone and admonished the actor and his attorney, Craig Mueller, for denying the charges and downplaying evidence of assault.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Stop downplaying gifts that were meant to be seen.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
To locals, Soviet leaders seemed to be downplaying the severity of the explosion.
—Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
Matt Bradley, NBC news, 14 May 2026
As Starlink gains traction as a potential disruptor to traditional ISPs, Verizon’s CEO is downplaying the threat, predicting that satellite rivals SpaceX and Amazon will remain niche internet providers in the US.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 May 2026
Meanwhile, Merck was accused of downplaying the significant cardiovascular risks associated with the drug.
—Sukhun Kang, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
To say Alma Allen’s presentation is highly anticipated would be downplaying things quite a bit.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 5 May 2026
After downplaying the prospect of a new album in recent interviews, Grande began posting hints to the contrary in March, like a flower emoji in her Instagram bio.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026
When addressing Chasing Horse, Peterson took on a stern tone and admonished the actor and his attorney, Craig Mueller, for denying the charges and downplaying evidence of assault.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Stop downplaying gifts that were meant to be seen.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
To locals, Soviet leaders seemed to be downplaying the severity of the explosion.
—Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplaying
Verb
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But in our experience, many businesses benefit from a middle-ground strategy that maximizes compatibility while minimizing disruption.—
Thomas Berndorfer,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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These bachelor groups allow non-breeding males to live social lives while minimizing competition, the zoo says.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Verb
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However, not all analysts are dismissing that news that quickly.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
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Fox also erred in not dismissing attempts by Magness and Lee Watson to intervene in the lawsuit, the attorney general’s office claimed, saying neither has standing to take part in the litigation, since they aren’t named as defendants in the case.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downplaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplaying. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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