Synonyms of de-emphasize

de-emphasize

verb

(ˌ)dē-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

as in to minimize

to reduce in apparent importance

you're at a point in your career where you can de-emphasize your academic record and emphasize your work experience

Synonyms & Similar Words

• minimize
• downplay
• dismiss
• soft-pedal
• play down
• understate
• underplay
• denigrate
• disparage
• decry
• derogate
• deprecate
• belittle
• run down
• depreciate
• talk down
• cry down
• bad-mouth
• trash-talk
• kiss off
• put down
• trash
• poor-mouth

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exaggerate
• overstate
• overdo
• elaborate
• pad
• embellish
• magnify
• stretch
• overdraw
• embroider
• overemphasize
• hedge
• fudge
• sensationalize
• overplay
• melodramatize

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of de-emphasize

Our tactile and sensory life has been de-emphasized in favor of ideas, symbols, accomplishments, and abstractions. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026

Just as some young workers must be redirected from the firms that are de-emphasizing entry-level work, small business owners need to invest in training them. — Revana Sharfuddin, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026

At the very least, players and parents feel the university is de-emphasizing its support for lacrosse. — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2026

Along with his predecessor Pam Bondi, Blanche oversaw a Justice Department that radically de-emphasized the prosecution of white-collar crimes, like the kind the Kaplan twins were convicted of. — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 26 May 2026