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
  • The standard Hornbill blade uses a micro-sandblasted treatment, creating an even matte surface that is understated and resistant to fingerprints.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 July 2026
  • Free from unnecessary frills, the tried-and-true pairing is effortless, understated, and always put together.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 20 July 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
  • Without them, some would feel even bigger, more raw and dramatic, but others — especially in America, where many neutrals came specifically for the spectacle rather than for either team — could feel subdued and forgotten.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Obviously, the talking-points from Kiffin will be interesting to monitor, though the Tigers head coach seems to be more subdued in person compared to his social media presence.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 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
  • Where Heron feels restrained and almost surgical, Hornbill is shaped for users who want more contact with the handle, more leverage through the cut, and a stronger physical presence without moving into oversized tactical-knife territory.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 July 2026
  • Drewchin operates in this more restrained mode throughout the record, peeling back the layers of her dizzying art pop.
    — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 20 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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