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.
This is not to downplay the weight of cultural coherence or pretend that all differences are equally productive. Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 While the archival records are managed by the National Archives and Records Administration, the museum exhibits are funded by private donors, who may prefer to highlight positive moments and downplay controversies. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 18 June 2026 Don’t downplay your value to keep things comfortable. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 Messi downplayed tying the record in a postgame interview. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 17 June 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 24 Jun. 2026.

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