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
Huda issues an apology after downplaying the incident After initially downplaying the outrage over her reaction, Mustafa posted another statement on Wednesday publicly apologizing to Carthen.
—
Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
As a book by the late Virginia Giuffre sparks new international interest in Jeffrey Epstein, House Republicans are still downplaying the need for a vote on releasing the Justice Department’s case files.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, Sherrill, who is also a former federal prosecutor, has blasted Ciattarelli's former medical publishing company for producing materials downplaying the dangers of opioids.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 21 Oct. 2025
Days after paying tribute to their relationship of two decades, Bell is at the center of controversy for downplaying domestic violence in the Friday post.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
Some Republicans and Democrats criticized Vance’s response for excusing or downplaying the nature of the chat messages.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Her application was rejected in October 2024 by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, citing her record of downplaying the Holocaust and Islamophobic comments.
—Reuters, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025
City leaders are downplaying speculation about a potential serial killer, but retired NYPD Sgt.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Critics contend that the administration’s aim is to present a sanitized version of history, downplaying bitter episodes, including racial oppression and sexism.
—Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
As a book by the late Virginia Giuffre sparks new international interest in Jeffrey Epstein, House Republicans are still downplaying the need for a vote on releasing the Justice Department’s case files.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, Sherrill, who is also a former federal prosecutor, has blasted Ciattarelli's former medical publishing company for producing materials downplaying the dangers of opioids.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 21 Oct. 2025
Days after paying tribute to their relationship of two decades, Bell is at the center of controversy for downplaying domestic violence in the Friday post.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
Some Republicans and Democrats criticized Vance’s response for excusing or downplaying the nature of the chat messages.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Her application was rejected in October 2024 by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, citing her record of downplaying the Holocaust and Islamophobic comments.
—Reuters, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025
City leaders are downplaying speculation about a potential serial killer, but retired NYPD Sgt.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Critics contend that the administration’s aim is to present a sanitized version of history, downplaying bitter episodes, including racial oppression and sexism.
—Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplaying
Verb
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Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Oct. 2025
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The lightweight formula delivers hydration to your complexion, which is necessary for minimizing the appearance of scars and marks.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Venezuelans got accustomed to dismissing it all as noise, just a pretext the dictatorship employed to stamp out civil rights.—
Quico Toro,
The Atlantic,
4 Nov. 2025
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Despite mounting criticism and public skepticism, Cheney remained a vocal defender of the war, dismissing opposition as politically motivated.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downplaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplaying. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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