underplayed 1 of 2

adjective

as in unaffected

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Dissimilar Words

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
  • The Valhalla’s dihedral doors, thankfully, were unaffected by any of the changes made to the vehicle.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The presales for the remaining shows are being held on Ticketmaster, and are reported to be unaffected.
    — Thomas Smith, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • The Grammy winner kept her look understated while letting her accessories do all the talking.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Seydoux is movingly understated in this difficult film and role, with the camera often lingering on her face in harsh close-up.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of understated
Verb
  • Had the Sunshine Protection Act been enacted earlier this year, there would have been no clock change on Sunday.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Participation in daylight saving time has been standard across much of the United States since 1966, when the Uniform Time Act was enacted.
    — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of enacted
Adjective
  • Oddly enough, her two Best Actress plays are both black-and-white, European period pieces, but while Rose is full of gender-bending swagger, Fatherland is a more subdued performance.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Making waves across industries like fashion, beauty, and even interior design, the sensual shade feels more subdued and high-end than alternative reds while being easy to style in the cold-weather months.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • Yet, the complaint says, both downplayed their firsthand knowledge of the laptop or involvement in investigations during 2023 congressional testimony.
    — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Cuomo downplayed the wave of objections, framing the pushback as a predictable reaction to a major market shift.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of downplayed
Verb
  • But this post-apocalyptic drama turns out to be actually a play, being acted out on a technologically complex stage.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Prosecutors claimed Davis acted out of revenge for Shakur and his crew previously beating on Orlando Anderson, Davis’ nephew.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of acted out
Adjective
  • His answer was a restrained yet expressive material palette, anchored by rich walnut millwork and reflective surfaces that tie the rooms together.
    — Nicole Gates Anderson, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Dishes quickly crowded the table, each showing the restrained elegance of that region’s cuisine.
    — Christopher Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 28 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 4 Nov. 2026.

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