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

Trump’s top trade official more calmly downplayed the dispute. — Bill Barrow, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026

The White House has previously downplayed the likelihood of immigration agents being deployed to polling locations, but Trump has refused to rule it out. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Manager John Schneider downplayed the incident, but Scherzer's outspoken nature provides a crucial edge for the team. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Christian McCaffrey returned to the practice field Sunday and downplayed his near two-week absence from 49ers training camp. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 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