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
  • After that feral beginning, the rest of the album is mostly contemplative, wistful, and understated, amid cascading guitars and various sounds that are at times acoustic or gently swirling.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026
  • However, off the field, the leadership style of the man tasked with masterminding a new era at Anfield is understated.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of understated
Verb
  • Since Australia's law came into force, countries including Canada, Brazil and Indonesia have enacted bans too, while many other countries are studying or developing laws.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Only a dozen other states – New Jersey, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Georgia, Washington, Oregon, Virginia and West Virginia – have enacted their own versions.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of enacted
Adjective
  • Despite its subdued colorway, the knee-length dress is covered entirely in beadwork.
    — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Unemployment continued to fall while inflation remained subdued.
    — Joao Gomes, Fortune, 25 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
  • China media have been relatively restrained about this election result compared to past extreme rhetoric.
    — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • But this Sin City home takes a more restrained approach, pairing clean lines and strong geometric forms with the natural beauty of the Southwest.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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