as in minimizes
to reduce in apparent importance
he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success
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Recent Examples of downplays
Hill downplays it a little bit more, but of course, getting to design a version of the creature has been the dream of a lifetime.
—
Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 3 Dec. 2025
Some said the removal of the black box warning from all forms of hormone therapy — particularly pills, which deliver estrogen to the entire body — isn’t scientifically justified and downplays evidence of real risks of longer-term use.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025
Kingsnorth unfairly downplays the many individuals and organizations who do still have views mostly in keeping with his own degrowth perspectives.
—Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 11 Nov. 2025
Continue reading … MIXED MESSAGES – Spanberger downplays Jay Jones' text scandal as Virginia election nears.
—FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Combs did not deny kicking or throwing Cassie to the ground, and even downplays these acts of violence, Slavik said in her arguments this morning.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2025
Even as Vancouver publicly downplays its conviction about Cootes, internally, the conversation around him is beginning to shift materially.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
The film’s overall low-key tenor downplays both moral judgment and conspicuous style, though neither are entirely lacking.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
The piece downplays opposition.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Sep. 2025
Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 3 Dec. 2025
Some said the removal of the black box warning from all forms of hormone therapy — particularly pills, which deliver estrogen to the entire body — isn’t scientifically justified and downplays evidence of real risks of longer-term use.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025
Kingsnorth unfairly downplays the many individuals and organizations who do still have views mostly in keeping with his own degrowth perspectives.
—Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 11 Nov. 2025
Continue reading … MIXED MESSAGES – Spanberger downplays Jay Jones' text scandal as Virginia election nears.
—FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Combs did not deny kicking or throwing Cassie to the ground, and even downplays these acts of violence, Slavik said in her arguments this morning.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2025
Even as Vancouver publicly downplays its conviction about Cootes, internally, the conversation around him is beginning to shift materially.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
The film’s overall low-key tenor downplays both moral judgment and conspicuous style, though neither are entirely lacking.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
The piece downplays opposition.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplays
Verb
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For a more permanent setup, mounting it on the ceiling keeps the projector out of the way and minimizes the risk of people, pets, or objects impeding the projection.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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One that minimizes partisan conflict and builds partnerships for success.—
Arne Carlson,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Leadership that dismisses or undermines inclusion inflicts real harm on students, faculty, and staff.—
Wanda James,
Denver Post,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Lanthimos dismisses any anxiety the industry might have about accommodating neurodivergent performers.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downplays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplays. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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