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

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

However, Sempra is in the process of de-emphasizing its LNG investments. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

Old-line liberals have blasted the democratic socialist for de-emphasizing a police presence in favor of volunteers and contract workers armed with little more than overdose kits, notepads and phone numbers. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

The Giants also appear to be de-emphasizing Dart as a runner to keep him healthy, which could lead to him getting a higher volume of passing attempts in Week 15. — Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 14 Dec. 2025