1
as in to understate
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Recent Examples of underplay
However, testimony also revealed text messages and emails between Gray and his supervisors that prosecutors say appeared to underplay the severity of the incident on the day of the shooting.
—
Skyler Henry, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
Most importantly, the film tries to underplay the massive identity and religious politics that the Bengal border has seen since the lines were drawn.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Nov. 2025
At one point, MacLachlan orchestrates a heart-stopping moment of reckoning for Bill and Tammy, written with a sudden, cathartic directness—a break in their usual language of deferential hesitations—which the actors underplay to perfection.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
None of this is to underplay the value of this agreement to Paramount’s streaming business.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underplay
Skyler Henry, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
Most importantly, the film tries to underplay the massive identity and religious politics that the Bengal border has seen since the lines were drawn.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Nov. 2025
At one point, MacLachlan orchestrates a heart-stopping moment of reckoning for Bill and Tammy, written with a sudden, cathartic directness—a break in their usual language of deferential hesitations—which the actors underplay to perfection.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
None of this is to underplay the value of this agreement to Paramount’s streaming business.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underplay
Verb
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While its exterior is understated, the G90 provides a comfortable ride and surprisingly nimble handling for its size.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
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The Macallan’s status as a celebratory brand can’t be understated.—
Chris Perugini,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Campaigners, meanwhile, don’t want to overplay their hands.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
13 June 2026
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Try to keep him on the back line of defense and overplay the 3-point line to funnel to him.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
12 June 2026
Verb
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This is not to downplay the weight of cultural coherence or pretend that all differences are equally productive.—
Tracy Lawrence,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
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While the archival records are managed by the National Archives and Records Administration, the museum exhibits are funded by private donors, who may prefer to highlight positive moments and downplay controversies.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Britain will use a similar model to Australia, which enacted a ban last December, the government said.—
Paul Sandle,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
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The industry argued that New York’s public nuisance law is preempted by the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, enacted by Congress in 2005.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
15 June 2026
Verb
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That secret shakes Charlie’s love for his intended, messes with work, affects his performance in bed and prompts him to spiral out, overacting at every step.—
Mark Kennedy,
Boston Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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Adrien Brody can’t stop overacting in a commercial for TurboTax.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Being faced with an unavoidable conflict or having to work versus connecting (think staying in to do chores or homework versus spending time with friends) is the fast-track to acting out.—
Maressa Brown,
Parents,
18 June 2026
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The statement accused Blake of acting out of retaliation for an incident that occurred earlier in the lacrosse season.—
Ryan Canfield OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
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According to Variety and Puck, the film was originally set to dramatize Jackson being accused of abusing 13‑year‑old Jordan Chandler in 1993.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
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Astronomer and UFOlogist Jacques Vallée appears to shed additional light on Juan’s story, and dramatic effects sequences dramatize the emotional impact of his close encounter.—
Katie Rife,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 June 2026
Verb
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There's that fish net aspect in there, the ruffles to mimic the coral, the pearls.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
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Scientists agree some types of plastic can mimic fat, in particular in the brain, and that standardized methods are needed to sample and analyze plastic bits in the body.—
Michael Hawthorne,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underplay. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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