downplaying

present participle of downplay

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 downplaying Kirk’s good at downplaying his interest in seeing La’an again. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, the Defense Secretary (Jared Harris) who has been downplaying this event is feeling the pressure, and carries the burden that his daughter (Kaitlyn Dever) is in Chicago. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025 Keeping their businesses small, avoiding bold money moves, and downplaying financial goals are all ways of playing small. Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025 In follow-up questions, ranking Democrat Ron Wyden pressed O’Neill on statements by Kennedy downplaying the safety and effectiveness of vaccines to prevent measles and other diseases. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2025 Insha Rahman, vice president for advocacy and partnerships at the progressive Vera Institute of Justice, addressed DNC members during a strategy session, downplaying concerns about violent crime tied to migrants and carjackings. Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2025 But that framing is incomplete, downplaying the financing mechanics that make each purchase possible. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025 Is Atari downplaying Adventure's influence? PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2025 Risks outside of resorts McDonald explained that resorts and cruise lines work hard to maintain reputations for safety, often downplaying incidents to reassure guests. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplaying
Verb
  • The schedule will continue to get tougher from here, so minimizing those first quarter mistakes will be essential.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Its guidelines include optimizing thermostat settings, minimizing electricity and hot water use, and leveraging natural light.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Put frankly, dismissing intention has boxed the ivory tower into a corner for its ability to handle difficult conversations relating to religion.
    Matthew Mayhew, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The singer defended Siwa and recounted her own experiences as a bisexual woman falling in love with a man after previously dismissing the idea.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Downplaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplaying. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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