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
Yet Tan downplayed that accolade on Tuesday.
—
Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
Her application was rejected in October 2024 by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, citing her record of downplaying the Holocaust and Islamophobic comments.
—Reuters, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025
Facing more questions about the interaction on Monday, Shanahan downplayed it.
—Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
But Spoelstra downplayed Jakucionis’ ailments.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
Her application was rejected in October 2024 by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, citing her record of downplaying the Holocaust and Islamophobic comments.
—Reuters, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025
Facing more questions about the interaction on Monday, Shanahan downplayed it.
—Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
But Spoelstra downplayed Jakucionis’ ailments.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplay
Verb
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Learn how to prevent gas leaks, minimize carbon monoxide risks, and safely use your gas range by following these essential tips and safety precautions.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Atlanta scored first on a 38-yard field goal from Parker Romo, but that came after Huff and Sam Okuayinonu split a third-down sack to minimize a 19-play, 10 ½-minute drive.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Biden administration dismissed the lawsuit, and prosecutors dropped a grand jury investigation the following year.—
NPR,
NPR,
17 Oct. 2025
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The revelation immediately erupted into a political crisis, with the head of prisons dismissed and Guatemalans threatening to protest.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Translation: compliance burdens are rising, even if the U.S. is soft-pedaling near-term enforcement.—
Pam Kaur,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplay. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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