downplay

verb

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

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.
Some chose to downplay their identities in certain settings to preserve influence or avoid pushback. Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Longtime festival chief Thierry Frémaux downplayed the fracas by calling it an unfounded rumor. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025 Trump and his cabinet have downplayed the issue's significance, with the president himself repeatedly stating that girls will be better off for having fewer dolls, and now threatening tariffs on one of the world's most iconic doll manufacturers. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 Jokic downplayed the physicality after fouling out in the third quarter for the first time in his career. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 May 2025 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 28 May. 2025.

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