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 Korea Media and Communications Commission has downplayed concerns that the law could be used as a tool for state censorship. — ABC News, 7 July 2026

Other scholars, however, downplay the book’s diablerie, viewing the Pequod’s captain instead as an admirably heroic overreacher or a latter-day Prometheus facing down the gods, fate, the uncaring universe. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

While some stoic spectators downplayed the sun's severity, scorching temperatures undeniably impacted proceedings. — Nolan Rogalski, The Providence Journal, 5 July 2026

Streamers including Netflix have downplayed their interest in taking on solo ownership of the Emmys and the fact hat none of these companies has snapped up the rights so far is telling. — Peter White, Deadline, 2 July 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