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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
  • One thing that would remain is the BNA three-letter designation, which would be unaffected by an official name change.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Like its middle-aged protagonist, the movie is straightforward and unaffected, and compellingly so.
    — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • If last year is any indication, get ready for intricate textures, trailing scarves, off-white suits with fine tailoring for the men, and understated jewelry pairings that let the clothes do all the talking.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • They’re understated enough for everyday wear but feel richer and more elevated than the standard black-on-black ensemble.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of understated
Verb
  • The state should eliminate the retroactive application of the tax and apply it from the date the law was enacted.
    — Michael Wolfe, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Since then, California has enacted several additional AI laws.
    — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of enacted
Adjective
  • John Mulaney and Olivia Munn Olivia Munn and John Mulaney opted for subdued elegance with their complementary attire.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Win Mcnamee | Getty Images Bank of America is seeing a far more subdued few months for its Wall Street advisory and trading businesses after a blockbuster second quarter, CEO Brian Moynihan told analysts Monday.
    — Hugh Son,Ritika Shah, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • The officials also downplayed the notion that the Iran war would dominate discussions at the annual gathering of world leaders.
    — Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • But the Treasury market’s rapid deterioration is now alarming those who previously downplayed the risks.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Sep. 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 statements were positive but restrained, reflecting the pain inflicted by this saga.
    — Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026
  • His restrained demeanor contrasts with Moreno, the brash former car dealer who entered politics as an outsider.
    — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of restrained

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underplayed
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Cite this Entry

“Underplayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underplayed. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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