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

Players often downplay symptoms to stay on the field—and many signs of brain trauma, such as headaches, memory problems and fatigue, are easy to hide. — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026

Jones downplayed the significance of Hamilton's familiarity with Kennesaw State's coaching staff when asked on Tuesday. — Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026

Donalds downplayed the warning of service cuts from local governments, including sheriffs, police and firefighters. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Oeffling humbly downplays the appeal of his music, which has a familiar, early 2000s aesthetic that sounds indebted to the spirit of Yo La Tengo and Broken Social Scene, as well as contemporaries like Alex G. — Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 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