as in minimizes
to reduce in apparent importance
he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success
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Recent Examples of downplays
Continue reading … BASELESS ACCUSATIONS – Jasmine Crockett likens ICE to 'slave patrols,' downplays migrant crime.
—
FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Critics argue this approach lacks clarity and downplays the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Leavitt's wording downplays the chances of a breakthrough on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Aug. 2025
The hundred-and-forty-one-page assessment downplays the dangers from climate change, sometimes in ways that seem contradicted by the document’s own figures.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Critics argue this approach lacks clarity and downplays the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Leavitt's wording downplays the chances of a breakthrough on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Aug. 2025
The hundred-and-forty-one-page assessment downplays the dangers from climate change, sometimes in ways that seem contradicted by the document’s own figures.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplays
Verb
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This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
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Ortec is committed to sustainability through our optimization software, which minimizes fuel consumption and emissions by optimizing routes, loads and vehicle utilization—potentially reducing CO2 output for partners.—
Andre Claudio,
Sourcing Journal,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Judge dismisses case against 'fake electors' in Michigan Congress to hear more about UFOs.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
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Ashton also dismisses the concerns that a three-year degree lacks the many electives and opportunities for self-discovery.—
Bryan Penprase,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downplays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplays. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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