downplay
verb
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Definition of downplay
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Examples of downplay in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This month, the Times released a blockbuster story outlining Facebook’s behind-the-scenes efforts to downplay and deny the controversies surrounding it. — Emily Stewart, Vox, "There are many reasons to be mad at Sheryl Sandberg. Asking about Soros’s Facebook interests isn’t one of them.," 30 Nov. 2018 The head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency lost his job Tuesday after his remarks downplaying anti-migrant violence became a battleground between Chancellor Angela Merkel and her conservative critics. — Fox News, "Top German spy ousted after clash with Merkel over migrants," 18 Sep. 2018 Defense attorney Brent downplayed the Facebook video. — Jan Hefler, Philly.com, "It's now up to the jury. Did a N.J. man kill a child during a bloody Camden gang war?," 20 June 2018 Mike Feuer said that prescription drug manufacturers and distributors encouraged doctors to prescribe potent painkillers for chronic, long-term pain and downplayed the addictive nature of the drugs. — Angel Jennings, latimes.com, "L.A. sues 9 drug companies, alleging unethical practices that worsened the opioid crisis," 3 May 2018 Niners general manager John Lynch downplayed the idea of focusing on any single prospect including the Virginia Tech linebacker. — cleveland.com, "Will the Browns be on HBO's Hard Knocks? NFL Draft 2018 rumors," 25 Apr. 2018 Meyer, also a three-year varsity basketball player, downplayed her ability to perform well in end-of-game situations. — Bob Narang, chicagotribune.com, "Tori Meyer turning clutch hits into a habit for Barrington softball," 3 Apr. 2018 Official reports from both countries depicted in effusive terms warm ties between the two leaders in an effort to downplay recent tensions in relations over Kim’s development of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles. — BostonGlobe.com, "In first trip abroad, North Korea’s Kim warmly received in China," 29 Mar. 2018 Official reports from both countries on Wednesday depicted in effusive terms warm ties between the two leaders in an effort to downplay recent tensions over Kim’s development of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles. — Time, "Kim Jong Un Made a Surprise Visit to Beijing, Chinese State Media Says," 28 Mar. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'downplay.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for downplay
downplay
verb
English Language Learners Definition of downplay
: to make (something) seem smaller or less important
See the full definition for downplay in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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