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
  • The league said its review of Cooper’s conduct for potential violation of its personal conduct policy after a pair of domestic violence arrests in June remains ongoing and is unaffected by Cooper’s status change.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers have long wondered why some people develop these reactions while others seem to skate by unaffected.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • Anderson’s cover is string-heavy and tropical in nature, but where Buffett sang it with a forceful voice, Anderson goes for soft and understated, allowing both men’s versions to stand distinctly on their own.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The menu may describe its approach as simple, but there’s nothing understated about the flavors.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of understated
Verb
  • People who had already turned 55 when the law was enacted also were given until August 2021 to file lawsuits, no matter when the alleged abuse occurred.
    — John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In the same era, Democrats in Congress enacted a raft of social programs that would become part of the language, such as Medicare and Medicaid.
    — Ron Elving, NPR, 24 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
  • Her perspective—consistently serene and largely without self-interest—lends the novel a restrained and gently contemplative tone.
    — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The hotel interprets this mantra through balanced proportions, restrained interiors, and a hospitality approach that favors comfort over excess.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 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 26 Oct. 2026.

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