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
Also while some moments are over-the-top, others are underplayed and downbeat. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026 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
  • Yet with the relentless Ukrainian drone strikes – including the biggest wave ever launched against the Moscow region as voting took place this weekend – the Kremlin has been at pains to reassure Russians that life goes on largely unaffected.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Areas once largely unaffected are increasingly reporting infections, reflecting a gradual expansion of the virus across the country.
    — Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • Their particular fantasy was for a fully monochromatic room, something understated that might look at home in a Prada store.
    — Keith Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026
  • From pencil to pleated, mini to knee-length, sheer to leather, and understated to embellished — the skirt ruled the runway.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of understated
Verb
  • In subsequent decades, Congress enacted a series of major reductions to the estate tax.
    — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Some states, including California, have enacted measures about AI, including requiring entities to be transparent when it is used.
    — Chandelis Duster, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of enacted
Adjective
  • In one voting center in Sao Paulo, the energy was more subdued than four years ago, when Lula beat the senator’s father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • There are plenty of layers and body, but the bangs are slightly more subdued than a traditional shag.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • In a statement, ICE downplayed the significance of the memo, which said the new guidance was intended to replace and amend prior directives issued earlier this year, last year and in 2018.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • When asked about rampant rumors that Sarandos had been courting HBO/HBO Max content chairman Casey Bloys for a job or production deal, the exec downplayed it.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of downplayed
Verb
  • Some of the stories are just spoken matter-of-factly, while others are acted out with Jaku doing all the voices.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 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.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of acted out
Adjective
  • Producers who do choose to use barrels do so to enhance the fruit flavors and not overpower them thus making elegant, restrained whites.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Dark and atmospheric, yet restrained and sophisticated, as Dunn-Edwards describes it, this hue represents a clear shift in design toward depth, personality, and nuanced warmth for both contemporary and traditional styles.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 Oct. 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 Oct. 2026.

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