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

The Treasury Department has previously warned Chinese financial institutions that they could be sanctioned, but in public statements, top administration officials have downplayed China's role in the conflict. — Chris Boccia, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Goode, who has made his living as a special teams standout with 698 snaps in three seasons, and could take that route to earning a roster spot again this season, downplayed his backburner status at edge rusher. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

At the same time, O'Neill said, Meta's executives were downplaying or denying the addictiveness of the platforms. — John Ruwitch, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026

But acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao recently said the ship would return home and sought to downplay criticisms that sailors were facing mental health problems during the long deployment. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 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