underplayed 1 of 2

adjective

as in unaffected

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underplayed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of underplay
1
as in understated

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2
as in overplayed

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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 underplayed
Adjective
Even the goal of the Michelin star was kind of underplayed in the end — what seemed like the goalpost became a spiritual McGuffin. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underplayed
  1. unaffected
  2. understated
  3. enacted
  4. subdued
  5. downplayed
  6. acted out
  7. restrained
Adjective
  • The version included in the NDAA limits the restrictions solely to military procurement, leaving commercial imports and private-sector sales unaffected for now.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
  • If approved by voters, the measure, backed by the Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts, would outlaw recreational cannabis sales and home cultivation, though adult possession and medical cannabis programs would remain unaffected.
    — A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • Gaming lawyer Daniel Wallach suggested the reported $36 billion may actually be understated.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The monochromatic design keeps the look feeling elevated and understated, while the tiny details add just the right amount of charm.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of understated
Verb
  • In the 1970s, New York City enacted a zoning regulation targeted at protecting the fast-eroding industrial base.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • If enacted, legislation of this kind would fundamentally alter the business model of companies like Waymo, giving them no choice but to turn to human drivers in order to stay afloat in local markets.
    — Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of enacted
Adjective
  • The singer’s fourth album inhabits a balmy medium zone of relentlessly moderate tempos and subdued vocals, where even brief moments of intriguing tension and fuzz get flattened into homogeneity.
    — Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
  • Even slamming the door of the Mercedes is a subdued event with its soft-close doors.
    — Sasha Lekach, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • The Dodgers have downplayed Ohtani’s health as a factor in their deadline plans.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • But the Dodgers have downplayed the severity of that ailment and are under the impression that throwing doesn’t hurt it.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of downplayed
Verb
  • During one scene, Einbinder — dressed in a replica of a black dress Gyllenhaal wore in the original film — acted out an explicit orgasm as described in the script, breaking character in the middle of the scene to double over laughing.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
  • In the video, Allie dramatically acted out both sides of the conversation, capturing the feeling of trying to extract a straightforward answer from her mom.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
Definition of acted out
Adjective
  • There’s a smooth clarity to most of these songs, which grants different textures and dimensions to even Lyseight’s most restrained beats.
    — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Promotional stills, tour visuals and social content have followed the same restrained palette of black, white and grey, with color largely absent from official imagery.
    — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of restrained

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Cite this Entry

“Underplayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underplayed. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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