underplay

verb

un·​der·​play ˌən-dər-ˈplā 

underplayed; underplaying; underplays

intransitive verb

: to play a role with subdued force

transitive verb

1

: to act or present (a role, a scene, etc.) with restraint : play down

2

: to play a card lower than (a held high card)

Examples of underplay in a Sentence

Don't underplay the importance of exercise.

I thought she underplayed her character.

Recent Examples on the Web

Its artistic direction also underplays the war's grim reality, resulting in uninspired worldbuilding. — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

And Morton, in the film’s best turn, underplays her witchiness to extraordinary effect. — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026

In a lot of ways, Abrams’ underplay show at the storied club, billed as a free evening with the star, was more than just a celebration of her new album Daughter From Hell or practice for her upcoming tour. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026

Jane Williams, executive director of California Communities Against Toxics, expressed concerns that officials were underplaying the risk, noting that this is one of the largest cold storage facilities in the state and therefore contains massive amounts of ammonia. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for underplay

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

underplay

verb

un·​der·​play ˌən-dər-ˈplā 

: to handle carefully

especially : to play a role without much force