underplay
verb
un·der·play
ˌən-dər-ˈplā 
underplayed; underplaying; underplays
: to play a role with subdued force
1
: to act or present (a role, a scene, etc.) with restraint : play down
2
: to play a card lower than (a held high card)
Examples of underplay in a Sentence
Don't underplay the importance of exercise.
I thought she underplayed her character.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sometimes the functional sibling learns to compensate or cover for the dysfunctional one, to underplay strengths or wear a mask.
—
Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Some of the experiments are consciously underplayed.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 20 Mar. 2026
Pinkins has swagger, wit, and the confidence of a performer who knows how to reel an audience in by underplaying.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026
Others say such comments underplay the consequences of the oil blockade.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underplay
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Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Some of the experiments are consciously underplayed.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 20 Mar. 2026
Pinkins has swagger, wit, and the confidence of a performer who knows how to reel an audience in by underplaying.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026
Others say such comments underplay the consequences of the oil blockade.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underplay
Cite this Entry
“Underplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underplay. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underplay
verb
un·der·play
ˌən-dər-ˈplā
: to handle carefully
especially
: to play a role without much force
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