UNDERPLAY Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

underplay

verb

Definition of underplay

as in to understate

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Dissimilar Words

as in to overplay

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of underplay Sometimes the functional sibling learns to compensate or cover for the dysfunctional one, to underplay strengths or wear a mask. — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 Though Shakespeare in Love won best picture, Spielberg’s film led a worldwide wave of remembrance for WWII veterans, as well as conversations about previous films underplaying the trauma of combat. — Jordan Hoffman, Vanity Fair, 16 Mar. 2026 Cast against type, Stamos has fun slyly underplaying a thoroughly depraved character. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for underplay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underplay

Verb

Venturini argued that the city’s population is understated because many students and seasonal workers spend most of the year in Venice without registering as residents.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
However, the restrictions allowed things to be fittingly understated.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026

Definition of understate

Verb

Still, Donovan said that the accomplishment of passing bipartisan housing affordability legislation with an overwhelming majority shouldn’t be downplayed.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Baldwin, however, downplayed the psychological impact of the announcement.

— Jesús Cano, New York Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of downplay

Verb

Democratic socialists often instead cite countries in Scandinavia and Western Europe, which have socialist policies on universal healthcare, housing and higher wages enacted within democratic systems.

— Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 July 2026
Some states have enacted laws specifically targeting zappers.

— Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of enact

Verb

The pilot will dramatize the trilogy’s opening heist at the Hotel Theresa on 125th, a thirteen-story tower with a striking white façade once known as the Waldorf of Harlem.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Plot synopsis House of the Dragon attempts to condense and dramatize the conflicting accounts presented in Fire & Blood—stitched together from testimonies and court chronicles—into a single authoritative narrative.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026

Definition of dramatize

Verb

The company is based in Gwinnett County and specializes in mimicking the appearance of 1970s-era Ford Broncos and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons with all the bells, whistles and customization of new luxury vehicles.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026
Much of that realism comes down to the clutch pedal having real heft, deliberately mimicking the 33 lb (15 kg) of resistance found on the 599, the last true manual Ferrari ever made.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 July 2026

Definition of mimic

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underpins

underplay

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“Underplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underplay. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of underplay

verb

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