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 Webb, seemingly unaffected, keeps taking the mound and giving the Giants a chance.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Neutrinos are notoriously unaffected by normal matter—most pass right through it.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • Unassuming in her affect and understated in her dress, with a shaggy blond bob, Marta greets me warmly and leads me from the basement parking area through an indoor landscape of light.
    — Gaby Wood, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The latest iteration opened in summer 2025, and true to Casetta’s signature style, the vibe is understated yet curated.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of understated
Verb
  • In 2001, Fairfax lawmakers enacted a ban on all herbicides, insecticides and rodenticides on public land.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The change was enacted in the state budget bill and took effect July 1.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of enacted
Adjective
  • An uncharismatic leader is therefore more likely to appear restrained, flat, subdued, or low-energy.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • However, daylight will feel very subdued with a noticeable dimming.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • The Ravens, however, have consistently supported Loop and downplayed the need to bring in another kicker.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Phuel founder and long-time CEO Garret Rock downplayed his current involvement in the company this week and declined to provide information on its current leadership.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 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
  • The formula is closer to reserved + low-energy + emotionally restrained + literal + technocratic + untheatrical + less visionary + less attention-seeking.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The man has been robbed, restrained and bound in Chicago before being taken to Harvey and left there, the news release said.
    — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 17 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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