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
  • 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
  • Today, Putin follows essentially the same model, seeking to erode allies’ confidence in NATO’s Article 5 by relying on tactics that fall below the threshold of a conventional warfare and leave unaffected members hesitant to respond.
    — Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • The deep crimson drapes, white tablecloths, and understated gold accents at T’ang evoke a lavish Chinese mansion.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The degree to which the United States has been in the ugly thick of a Constitutional crisis since the beginning of 2025 has been persistently understated by the media.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of understated
Verb
  • In all, around 26 percent of the tariff increases enacted last year were reflected in retail prices paid by consumers.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • At a September campaign event in Pittsboro, Whatley praised legislation enacted over Cooper’s opposition and accused the former governor of prioritizing transgender participation over protections for female athletes.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of enacted
Adjective
  • While the brown is a more subdued hue, Aquazzura currently offers the style in metallic gold and pink for $1,085.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In one voting center in Sao Paulo, the energy was more subdued than four years ago, when Lula beat the senator’s father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • The agency downplayed suspicions that her illness was related to her work but rushed to isolate her contacts.
    — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Iranian officials have long downplayed the significance of military ties with Russia, or denied them.
    — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of downplayed
Verb
  • Some of the stories are just spoken matter-of-factly, while others are acted out with Jaku doing all the voices.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 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.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of acted out
Adjective
  • Either way, Rahimi balances the character’s clear vulnerability with just enough ambiguity about his plans for the school, accentuated through Majidi’s restrained and naturalistic approach.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • While the look nods to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy with its restrained elegance, the final product is decidedly Giulia’s own.
    — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 10 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 15 Oct. 2026.

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