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.
Peters also downplayed any strategy to grow through major acquisitions after earlier industry consolidation. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025 Vance on Tuesday downplayed concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire but declined to put a timeline on the return of all deceased hostages and Hamas’ complete disarmament. Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025 Netflix, the dominant streamer turned Hollywood power player, has also been rumored as a potential acquirer, although co-CEO Greg Peters downplayed it earlier this month, and it is not known as an active M&A player. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025 The descriptions of these individuals in the classroom materials often downplay or even justify their violent actions. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 2025.

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