1
as in to understate
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
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
-
It’s understated, but never boring.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2026
-
At times understated, at others more pointed, the speech appeared to land well in the room, drawing many standing ovations.—
Freddie Clayton,
NBC news,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
History suggests that an overconfident Tehran will overplay its hand.—
Karim Sadjadpour,
The Atlantic,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Lue has tried to stagger their minutes to not overplay them.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
To locals, Soviet leaders seemed to be downplaying the severity of the explosion.—
Lizzie Johnson,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
-
DeCosta downplayed the focus on size and said the team’s personnel staff is always looking for different types of players.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Failure to enact required changes could result in big fines.—
Robert Pearlman,
ArsTechnica,
27 Apr. 2026
-
At a time when states are enacting an anti-voting agenda to limit who can participate in elections, Maryland must set the standard for an inclusive democracy, not falling short of it.—
Nicole D. Porter,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Adrien Brody can’t stop overacting in a commercial for TurboTax.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Garcia says, acting out the usual blush of so many bewildered men.—
Darío Gael Blanco,
Vanity Fair,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Friends and family say Wright acted out throughout the trial, including missing previous court dates and removing himself from the stand.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Simple, shocking, darkly beautiful imagery and an extreme performance dramatize the psyche of a man deeply disappointed with his childhood, who seeks to recreate it by any means possible.—
William Earl,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
-
But the most spectacular works are the 10- and 11-foot lengths of parchment that dramatize the way medieval architects conceived their spiritual ladders to heaven.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
If Nick was holding one of them and looking concerned, the baby would mimic his expression.—
Amanda Champagne-Meadows,
Deadline,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Researchers must not only mimic what evolution has managed to produce but also copy nature’s methods and use renewable supplies to build the materials of tomorrow.—
Caitlin Kennedy,
Scientific American,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underplay. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
