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
  • LaPorte County Commissioner Joe Haney said in a normal emergency, highway workers from an unaffected area can go to one of the others to help out.
    — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The results suggest that local firms (that are unaffected by the Megadeal) in a county that lands a Megadeal go on to patent more than neighboring firms, suggesting an increase in innovation activity for these unaffected firms.
    — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 20 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
  • Quincy Mayor Tom Koch is not backing down and has downplayed the religious meaning of the statues.
    — Neal Riley, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Treasury Department has previously warned Chinese financial institutions that they could be sanctioned, but in public statements, top administration officials have downplayed China's role in the conflict.
    — Chris Boccia, ABC News, 19 Aug. 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
  • 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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