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
Critics argue this approach lacks clarity and downplays the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
—
Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Leavitt's wording downplays the chances of a breakthrough on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Aug. 2025
The hundred-and-forty-one-page assessment downplays the dangers from climate change, sometimes in ways that seem contradicted by the document’s own figures.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Leavitt's wording downplays the chances of a breakthrough on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Aug. 2025
The hundred-and-forty-one-page assessment downplays the dangers from climate change, sometimes in ways that seem contradicted by the document’s own figures.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplays
Verb
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This saves energy and minimizes the need for braking.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Sep. 2025
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By gathering all necessary, nuanced information upfront, AI drastically minimizes compliance risks and empowers more proactive support strategies.—
Anant Agarwal,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Ashton also dismisses the concerns that a three-year degree lacks the many electives and opportunities for self-discovery.—
Bryan Penprase,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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Trump's approach dismisses collective security and weakens NATO's cohesion.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downplays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplays. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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