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
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 idea is that airport security operations can remain unaffected by funding lapses and government shutdowns, while still maintaining strict federal oversight and regulations.
    — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026
  • These tides are predicted to be lower than those in June, and the Weather Service estimates that areas not impacted in June can expect to be unaffected over the next week as well.
    — Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • The standard Hornbill blade uses a micro-sandblasted treatment, creating an even matte surface that is understated and resistant to fingerprints.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 July 2026
  • Free from unnecessary frills, the tried-and-true pairing is effortless, understated, and always put together.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 20 July 2026
Definition of understated
Verb
  • Florida’s Second Chance Act was enacted after years of collaboration among physicians, families affected by sudden cardiac arrest, legislators, athletic leaders, and advocacy organizations.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026
  • New Jersey enacted its assault weapons law in 1990 following a mass shooting at a California elementary school.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026
Definition of enacted
Adjective
  • Without them, some would feel even bigger, more raw and dramatic, but others — especially in America, where many neutrals came specifically for the spectacle rather than for either team — could feel subdued and forgotten.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Obviously, the talking-points from Kiffin will be interesting to monitor, though the Tigers head coach seems to be more subdued in person compared to his social media presence.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • On top of that, Saka downplayed all the criticisms of Tuchel coming into Saturday’s match.
    — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • In our most recent conversation, Gershman dismissed the account Sebold gave in her memoir and downplayed the parts of her testimony that were more ambiguous.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 17 July 2026
Definition of downplayed
Verb
  • Eventually, the rewrite and actors workshop rehearsal combined — a two-week period in which Jones, McCormick, Wilde, Rogen, Cruz, and Norton acted out, improvised scenes, and, most importantly, talked about characters.
    — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 24 June 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
  • Where Heron feels restrained and almost surgical, Hornbill is shaped for users who want more contact with the handle, more leverage through the cut, and a stronger physical presence without moving into oversized tactical-knife territory.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 July 2026
  • Drewchin operates in this more restrained mode throughout the record, peeling back the layers of her dizzying art pop.
    — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 20 July 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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