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

Lopez did not downplay the historical significance of the upcoming match. — Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Phillip Wool, chief research officer at Rayliant Global Advisors, also downplayed the recent weakness in Asian AI hardware names, describing it as a portfolio rebalancing exercise rather than a deterioration in the industry's outlook. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 July 2026

Sheinbaum did her best to respectfully downplay the significance of the former president’s screed. — Tim Golden, ProPublica, 13 July 2026

Still, Donovan said that the accomplishment of passing bipartisan housing affordability legislation with an overwhelming majority shouldn’t be downplayed. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 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