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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Dissimilar Words
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
  • Unlike the 13 colonies, East and West Florida were largely unaffected by the British Stamp Act and other taxes that fueled resentment elsewhere because the colonies produced relatively little for the British colonial economy.
    — Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Undergraduate lending is largely unaffected.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • While this new Quince dress looks elegant and understated from the front with its V-neckline and floor-length silhouette, the open back with adjustable criss-cross straps gives me the perfect excuse to wear my hair in an updo.
    — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
  • But the ramifications are not to be understated, Clark warned.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 6 July 2026
Definition of understated
Verb
  • Florida enacted new laws cracking down on miscreants in the treatment industry.
    — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 July 2026
  • Passed as the second of three Reconstruction amendments, the 14th Amendment was enacted after the Civil War.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Definition of enacted
Adjective
  • When asked to run similar projections while modeling for factors such as return variability, family income and investor behavior, Morningstar showcases a more subdued picture of financial health for account holders at the same intervals.
    — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • This look leans more subdued and boho with its all-black layers and accessories, but feel free to experiment with contrasting tones and more color for a bolder result.
    — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • Streamers including Netflix have downplayed their interest in taking on solo ownership of the Emmys and the fact hat none of these companies has snapped up the rights so far is telling.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 2 July 2026
  • Kevin Hassett, director of the White House's National Economic Council, downplayed Thursday's report, pointing to a positive trend for the labor market in previous months.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 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
  • Ossant describes the collection as combining sensual tailoring with fluid proportions and restrained transparency, creating an understated confidence that has become synonymous with Vaccarello's creative direction.
    — Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The joyous if relatively restrained gathering was the culmination of the riotous nationwide celebrations that had broken out on the evening of April 12, when the results of the parliamentary elections came in.
    — Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 4 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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