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
Writer/director Hammer, though, downplays the melodrama inherent to this scenario, even while shooting sequences, whether in Martin and Leslie’s apartment or in various hospitals, with a bracing handheld intimacy.
—
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
The split between Pack, who went on to start his own venture firm Hack VC, and Dragonfly is the stuff of crypto VC lore, though Qureshi downplays the drama.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026
The humble Toney downplays that nickname.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2026
This downplays the robotic look somewhat.
—James Morris, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Continue reading … DEATH DENIAL – Top Iranian official downplays death toll, blames 'Israeli plot' as US considers strikes.
—FOXNews.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Stephan downplays comparisons to other counties.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
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
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
The split between Pack, who went on to start his own venture firm Hack VC, and Dragonfly is the stuff of crypto VC lore, though Qureshi downplays the drama.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026
The humble Toney downplays that nickname.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2026
This downplays the robotic look somewhat.
—James Morris, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Continue reading … DEATH DENIAL – Top Iranian official downplays death toll, blames 'Israeli plot' as US considers strikes.
—FOXNews.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Stephan downplays comparisons to other counties.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplays
Verb
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The designer explains that integrating appliances behind kitchen cabinetry minimizes visual clutter and allows the room's architecture to take the lead.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
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These materials reduce the risk of attachments overheating or snagging, creating a gentle blow-dry that minimizes breakage and split ends.—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Henry dismisses Yasmin but can’t shake the niggling feeling that his wife isn’t entirely wrong.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
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Eduardo Bolsonaro dismisses concerns that the current electoral scenario could split the vote and lead to a first-round electoral victory for Lula.—
David Unsworth,
FOXNews.com,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downplays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplays. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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