Synonyms of downplay

downplay

verb

ˈdau̇n-ˌplā 

as in to minimize

to reduce in apparent importance

he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success

Synonyms & Similar Words

• minimize
• dismiss
• soft-pedal
• de-emphasize
• play down
• understate
• underplay
• denigrate
• disparage
• belittle
• derogate
• decry
• deprecate
• bad-mouth
• depreciate
• run down
• talk down
• cry down
• kiss off
• trash-talk
• poor-mouth
• trash
• put down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exaggerate
• overstate
• overdo
• elaborate
• pad
• magnify
• stretch
• embellish
• overdraw
• embroider
• overemphasize
• hedge
• sensationalize
• overplay
• fudge
• melodramatize

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of downplay

American officials have downplayed these setbacks, promising that the Iranian regime is just one more strike or sanction away from being forced to make concessions. — Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2026

By contrast, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has downplayed such doomsday scenarios, instead pushing for safety measures that would keep AI in check as firms continue to develop it. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

At the same time, the 2025 update to the American dietary guidelines appears to downplay fiber’s role in a healthy diet, placing high-fiber whole grains at the bottom as the smallest part of the inverted food pyramid. — Jean Liew, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026

No single switch A major reason computer scientists downplay concerns that AI could wrench control of the web from humans is that the internet isn't monolithic, but rather comprises a vast system of interconnected networks. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026