as in to minimize
to reduce in apparent importance
he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of downplay
While some fans have expressed concern over the absence of fellow Neptunes producer Chad Hugo, the Clipse brothers are downplaying the impact.
—
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 July 2025
In the coming decades, the teaching of evolution was absent or downplayed in much of the country.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 8 July 2025
The remedy, many concluded, lies in turning a bit to the right, downplaying such issues as climate change and paying more attention to bread-and-butter concerns.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 8 July 2025
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a statement on March 10, downplayed the role of climate change within the DOD, The Independent reported.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 July 2025
In the coming decades, the teaching of evolution was absent or downplayed in much of the country.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 8 July 2025
The remedy, many concluded, lies in turning a bit to the right, downplaying such issues as climate change and paying more attention to bread-and-butter concerns.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 8 July 2025
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a statement on March 10, downplayed the role of climate change within the DOD, The Independent reported.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplay
Verb
-
The smell will fade overtime as the blinds begin to dry, but diluting vinegar with water helps minimize the potency of the scent.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
-
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
With the reciprocal tariffs, Trump is dismissing the rules governing world trade.—
Aamer Madhani,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
-
They have since been dismissed by the local solicitor general's office, WSB-TV reported.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
In 2024, Paul Weiss didn’t soft-pedal its liberal leanings.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Goldberg Tuesday scoffed at the denials and efforts to soft-pedal the extent and potential danger of the breach.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplay. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share