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
That's likely why Mindelle downplays that part of the gig, and instead focuses on the comedy that keeps her on her toes.
—
Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Ezelle, however, downplays his role in advising DBGI.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026
Happily, in his aptly peculiar film, docmaker Xander Robin downplays the boredom in favor of the adrenalin, and even more compellingly, of the Challenge’s diverse but uniformly eccentric sociological makeup.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 May 2026
The accessibility of these supplements without restrictions normalizes their use and downplays their serious health risks.
—Jad Abdel Nour, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
The proposition has been met with backlash online, as some believe the name insinuates a connection to the president or downplays the importance of the man who donated the land, whom it is named after.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
San Diego economist Ray Major downplays the impacts of declining immigration, pointing out that the far more concerning issue is the continuing exodus of residents, who far outnumber those who are moving here.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Benjamin Netanyahu signals restraint on energy strikes and downplays Iran’s capabilities.
—Abhishek Shanker, Bloomberg, 20 Mar. 2026
Govan, for his part, downplays the controversy.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Mar. 2026
Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Ezelle, however, downplays his role in advising DBGI.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026
Happily, in his aptly peculiar film, docmaker Xander Robin downplays the boredom in favor of the adrenalin, and even more compellingly, of the Challenge’s diverse but uniformly eccentric sociological makeup.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 May 2026
The accessibility of these supplements without restrictions normalizes their use and downplays their serious health risks.
—Jad Abdel Nour, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
The proposition has been met with backlash online, as some believe the name insinuates a connection to the president or downplays the importance of the man who donated the land, whom it is named after.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
San Diego economist Ray Major downplays the impacts of declining immigration, pointing out that the far more concerning issue is the continuing exodus of residents, who far outnumber those who are moving here.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Benjamin Netanyahu signals restraint on energy strikes and downplays Iran’s capabilities.
—Abhishek Shanker, Bloomberg, 20 Mar. 2026
Govan, for his part, downplays the controversy.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplays
Verb
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This capability minimizes downtime and enables continuous 24/7 operation, improving equipment utilization and productivity.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
2 June 2026
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Failing to Declutter First Trying to overhaul your current storage system while the garage is cramped with clutter (which also minimizes the value of your home) is unproductive.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 May 2026
Verb
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For her part Zoe, mature well beyond her tender age, dismisses the hype with a shrug.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
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The day’s ruling from Sorokin, who was appointed to his position by former President Barack Obama, dismisses all claims against Mayor Michelle Wu, Police Commissioner Michael Cox and the Boston Police Department.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downplays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplays. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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