underplays; underplayed; underplaying
1
: to make (something) seem less important than it actually is : to give too little attention to (something)
Don't underplay the importance of exercise.
She often underplays [=downplays] her abilities.
2
disapproving
: to show too little emotion when acting in a play, movie, etc.
I thought she underplayed her character.
Cite this Entry
“Underplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/underplay. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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