as in minimizing
to reduce in apparent importance
he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success
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Recent Examples of downplaying
Meanwhile, Merck was accused of downplaying the significant cardiovascular risks associated with the drug.
—
Sukhun Kang, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
To say Alma Allen’s presentation is highly anticipated would be downplaying things quite a bit.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 5 May 2026
After downplaying the prospect of a new album in recent interviews, Grande began posting hints to the contrary in March, like a flower emoji in her Instagram bio.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026
When addressing Chasing Horse, Peterson took on a stern tone and admonished the actor and his attorney, Craig Mueller, for denying the charges and downplaying evidence of assault.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Stop downplaying gifts that were meant to be seen.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
To locals, Soviet leaders seemed to be downplaying the severity of the explosion.
—Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
But some experts are also downplaying the effect these robots could have on the war.
—Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 22 Apr. 2026
The plaintiffs’ lawyers countered that Royal Caribbean was greatly downplaying the injuries the victims suffered.
—Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Sukhun Kang, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
To say Alma Allen’s presentation is highly anticipated would be downplaying things quite a bit.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 5 May 2026
After downplaying the prospect of a new album in recent interviews, Grande began posting hints to the contrary in March, like a flower emoji in her Instagram bio.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026
When addressing Chasing Horse, Peterson took on a stern tone and admonished the actor and his attorney, Craig Mueller, for denying the charges and downplaying evidence of assault.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Stop downplaying gifts that were meant to be seen.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
To locals, Soviet leaders seemed to be downplaying the severity of the explosion.
—Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
But some experts are also downplaying the effect these robots could have on the war.
—Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 22 Apr. 2026
The plaintiffs’ lawyers countered that Royal Caribbean was greatly downplaying the injuries the victims suffered.
—Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplaying
Verb
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But in our experience, many businesses benefit from a middle-ground strategy that maximizes compatibility while minimizing disruption.—
Thomas Berndorfer,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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These bachelor groups allow non-breeding males to live social lives while minimizing competition, the zoo says.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Bangladesh was bowled out for 413 in its first innings, before taking a 27-run lead, dismissing Pakistan for 386 with offspinner Mehidy Hasan taking five wickets.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
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On Friday, Makary was privately dismissing the reports of his imminent ouster as false, those people said.—
Sarah Owermohle,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downplaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplaying. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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