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
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Recent Examples of de-emphasize
Critics argue that the Dalai Lama’s middle way, which prioritizes dialogue and reconciliation while de-emphasizing mass mobilization, has kept the movement from reaching its full potential and leveraging its explosive strength in the struggle against Beijing.
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Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025
The decision to further de-emphasize her personal life in season two might be appropriate, but the show ends up lacking narrative salt, fat, acid, and heat—even with Samin Nosrat as a special guest.
—Raven Smith, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2025
The mountain of evidence backing the health perks of the Mediterranean diet—one that highlights plant foods and fish, and de-emphasizes red and processed meats—just grew again.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 Aug. 2025
In recent months, Max has also de-emphasized its family and kids programming.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025
The decision to further de-emphasize her personal life in season two might be appropriate, but the show ends up lacking narrative salt, fat, acid, and heat—even with Samin Nosrat as a special guest.
—Raven Smith, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2025
The mountain of evidence backing the health perks of the Mediterranean diet—one that highlights plant foods and fish, and de-emphasizes red and processed meats—just grew again.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 Aug. 2025
In recent months, Max has also de-emphasized its family and kids programming.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-emphasize
Verb
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Like machines, most companies are designed to create efficient, predictable outcomes; minimize risk; and eliminate variation.—
Jana Werner,
Harvard Business Review,
5 Nov. 2025
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The medication contains a small amount of radioactive material, which means it must be handled carefully to minimize radiation exposure.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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However, the Russian leader has tried to downplay the impact of the sanctions.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Oct. 2025
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Russ Anderson also failed to challenge the bank’s incentive compensation program, failed to institute effective controls and repeatedly downplayed sales practices misconduct, Hsu previously said.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In July 2024, Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial ended by being dismissed with prejudice after his attorneys argued that prosecutors had buried evidence.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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In Monday’s filing, lawyers for Robert Morris and his wife, Debbie Morris, argue Clemishire’s claims should be dismissed in part because the statute of limitations on them have expired.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Translation: compliance burdens are rising, even if the U.S. is soft-pedaling near-term enforcement.—
Pam Kaur,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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Nothing grates quite like those slick pharmaceutical ads blaring across the TV, promising quick fixes while soft-pedaling potential side effects.—
Alex Ward,
Boston Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-emphasize. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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