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

Despite an impressive $60 million global opening, some outlets immediately downplayed the achievement, casting doubt on the film’s ability to make a profit on its $90 million production cost. —Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026

Trump himself downplayed Russia's involvement during a news conference Monday in Florida. —Mariam Khan, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026

Courtesy Janis Hayes Some patient lawsuits have accused cosmetic surgery companies of hiring doctors who lacked adequate training or had troubled pasts, and of using high-pressure sales tactics and misleading advertising pitches that downplay safety risks, federal and state court records show. —Fred Schulte, NBC news, 10 Mar. 2026

Lynch’s attempt to downplay the scope of the public records exception in the latest legislation was undercut by the state’s legislative council. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for downplay

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret