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

Only one can start — and as much as coach Jeff Hafley has tried to downplay the position battle, the writing is on the wall. — Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

State officials downplayed the threat of a prolonged siege, dismissing the prospect of weekly disruptions as standard white noise. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 1 July 2026

For many years, critics frequently downplayed the soothing texture of Sade’s songs as mere aural wallpaper, mood music for lovemaking. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 30 June 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