downplay

verb

down·​play ˈdau̇n-ˌplā 

downplayed; downplaying; downplays

transitive verb

: play down, de-emphasize

Synonyms of downplay

• minimize
• dismiss
• soft-pedal

Examples of downplay in a Sentence

Athletes often downplay their injuries.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

White has previously downplayed the prospect of entering politics himself. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

But McVay downplayed his own anticipation of seeing the group play together for the first time. — Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2026

Musk has downplayed the sales slump at Tesla, focusing on the company’s future as a maker of autonomous vehicles and taxis. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

In his closing arguments Monday, Nov 2, attorney Ian Winter worked to discredit and downplay the six women whose allegations anchor the criminal case against Brand (via Sky News). — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for downplay

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway