Synonyms of downplay

downplay

verb

ˈdau̇n-ˌplā 

as in to minimize

to reduce in apparent importance

he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of downplay

In recent weeks, Mets fans have tried to rewrite history, downplaying his role as a leader, and Pete Alonso’s as well. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026

Some Middle East officials see the initiative as Washington's attempt to downplay Hormuz's strategic importance. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

The complaint suggested that OpenAI’s defense will likely be to blame Van Rootselaar for their violent inputs, while downplaying ChatGPT’s outputs. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026

Nvidia declined to comment, but at the launch of its new PC chip this summer, CEO Jensen Huang downplayed any intention to compete directly with Apple, saying Nvidia is focused on expanding what Windows PCs can accomplish. — Stephen Nellis, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026