Definition of downplay
transitive verb
From the M-W Editors
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 of downplay from the Web
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Earlier in the week, Bevin downplayed the availability of guns as a problem behind Louisville's murder rate.
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Earlier in the week, Bevin downplayed the availability of guns as a problem behind Louisville’s murder rate.
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This false marketing included medical journal advertising, sales representative statements, and the use of front groups to deliver information which downplayed the risks and inflated the benefits of certain formulations of opioids.
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Nissan’s Wheeler downplayed how much of a role rental-car companies are playing in the company’s increased fleet sales.
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Coach Julie Groth downplayed her role, saying the credit belonged with the amazing athletes.
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Lujan also attempted to downplay Democrats having yet to win a 2017 special House election, amid so much purported enthusiasm.
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Rangers manager Jeff Banister downplayed the rivalry.
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And as climate change continues to be denied, downplayed, or ignored by governments worldwide, the planet's only getting closer to this dystopian water world future.
These 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.
First Known Use of downplay
1954
DOWNPLAY Defined for English Language Learners
downplay
playDefinition of downplay for English Language Learners
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: to make (something) seem smaller or less important
Learn More about downplay
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See words that rhyme with downplay Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for downplay Spanish Central: Translation of downplay Nglish: Translation of downplay for Spanish speakers
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