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 Not to underplay the seriousness of the situation, of course, but the suspect never made it inside. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for underplay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underplay

Verb

However, off the field, the leadership style of the man tasked with masterminding a new era at Anfield is understated.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Skin Is Several Habits That Support Several Organisms An adult’s skin covers roughly 2 square meters, though that number understates the space actually available.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of understate

Verb

In a corporate environment, leaders who overplay their hand can trigger resistance from peers, boards and other stakeholders.

— Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Last season, Vítek Vaněček struggled in that role, which led the Mammoth to overplay Vejmelka for the second straight season.

— Jesse Granger, New York Times, 25 June 2026

Definition of overplay

Verb

Quincy Mayor Tom Koch is not backing down and has downplayed the religious meaning of the statues.

— Neal Riley, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
The Treasury Department has previously warned Chinese financial institutions that they could be sanctioned, but in public statements, top administration officials have downplayed China's role in the conflict.

— Chris Boccia, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of downplay

Verb

The earliest a change could be enacted, per this timeline, is in the 2027 admissions cycle for the cohort entering university in fall 2028.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2026
A lot of the objects that were made out of Secondary have to do with structures that are enacted by the body, like a power rack, for example.

— Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of enact

Verb

Whether defendant Tyler Robinson acted out of political animus could be key for prosecutors seeking the death penalty — or for his attorneys in taking that punishment off the table.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Whether defendant Tyler Robinson acted out of political animus could be key for prosecutors seeking the death penalty - or for his attorneys in taking that punishment off the table.

— CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of act out

Verb

The Trial of Louise Woodward will dramatize the story of Woodward, an 18-year-old British au pair who in 1997 was accused of shaking to death a baby who was left in her care by her host family in Massachusetts.

— Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Two teenagers, aided by an arborist, climbed a 100-foot pine tree outside a Pasadena high school Saturday to dramatize a campaign to stop a soil remediation project calling for the removal of nearly 200 trees at several school campuses.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of dramatize

Verb

The casting of Lavernhe and Lottin is particularly inspired, as the two performers bring an affect to these characters that mimics the story’s dynamic.

— Caspar Salmon, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Punk exploded in front of a handful of scared-to-death dirtsheet reporters who were out of their league, mimicking a helpless Tony Khan.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of mimic

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“Underplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underplay. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of underplay

verb

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