downplay

verb

down·​play ˈdau̇n-ˌplā How to pronounce downplay (audio)
downplayed; downplaying; downplays
Synonyms of downplaynext

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Democrats have tended to downplay deportation issues when one of them is in charge. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 This film adaptation cut out the second half of the book, downplayed the violence committed by Olivier’s character, Heathcliff, and played up the romance between Heathcliff and Oberon’s character, Cathy. Becky Little, Time, 13 Feb. 2026 Fennell shows little interest in this aspect of the novel and very much downplays its impact on how Heathcliff is treated as an outsider. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026 The self-effacing Kress downplayed the moment. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downplay

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downplay was in 1948

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Cite this Entry

“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downplay. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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