underplay

verb

un·​der·​play ˌən-dər-ˈplā How to pronounce underplay (audio)
underplayed; underplaying; underplays

intransitive verb

: to play a role with subdued force

transitive verb

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This double character of Arte Povera—artistic innovation intertwined with political critique—is visible in the artworks, even if the curators underplay it. Wilson Tarbox, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2024 Nevertheless, this should not be an excuse for underplaying risks or panic peddling. Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Oct. 2024 These systems, such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, process supply-demand data but may underplay geopolitical risks. Guney Yildiz, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 True, the idea that democratizing Iraq would have a constructive regional effect was a reinforcing motive for war, and one that Leffler underplays. Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 28 Feb. 2023 See all Example Sentences for underplay 

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of underplay was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near underplay

Cite this Entry

“Underplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underplay. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

underplay

verb
un·​der·​play ˌən-dər-ˈplā How to pronounce underplay (audio)
: to handle carefully
especially : to play a role without much force

More from Merriam-Webster on underplay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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