UNDERPLAYED Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

underplayed 1 of 2

adjective

as in unaffected

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Dissimilar Words

underplayed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of underplay

as in understated

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Dissimilar Words

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

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

This season, the cool-girl shoe vibe is sleek and understated.

— Natalie Cantell, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026
Karp worked alongside the European design firm AED Planung on the interiors and overall look, keeping things clean, modern, and understated so the setting could do most of the work.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of understated

Verb

Trump signed the bill into law last week but hasn't enacted the measures yet.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
But the Musk trailer, which dropped Thursday, does not appear to fall in the category of the campaign advertising those bylaws were enacted to prevent.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of enacted

Adjective

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
Officials have argued that betting losses have fueled public dissatisfaction with the economy, despite record-low unemployment and relatively subdued inflation in the country.

— Reuters, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of subdued

Verb

Jones downplayed the significance of Hamilton's familiarity with Kennesaw State's coaching staff when asked on Tuesday.

— Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
Donalds downplayed the warning of service cuts from local governments, including sheriffs, police and firefighters.

— Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of downplayed

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 acted out

Adjective

For a more restrained take, Simon Miller places fringe along a mini hem, and Ulla Johnson works it into the bodice for a more unexpected finish.

— Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026
The statements were positive but restrained, reflecting the pain inflicted by this saga.

— Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of restrained

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Style

“Underplayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underplayed. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of underplayed

adjective

verb

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