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
  • Hundreds more cameras could be left operating and unaffected throughout the four-county region.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Her bed is Amal’s haven after a long day’s work, where the two can joke, watch TV, and relax in unaffected warmth.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • Even in a World Cup year, his Champions League performances cannot be understated.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Entergy, in its statement Wednesday, said that the Democrat-Gazette's article contained a math error that understated Google's financial contributions to the project.
    — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of understated
Verb
  • Russia and Ukraine have enacted a 72-hour temporary truce for the duration of the US envoys’ visits, specifically halting airstrikes on each other’s capitals, Kyiv and Moscow.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The Alpine car came alive during qualifying, which was dominated by drivers seeking tows from other cars to minimize the drag factor being enacted on their cars on the long Monza straights.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of enacted
Adjective
  • Winfrey has a more subdued take on footwear, her choices consisting of neutral tones with the occasional leopard or snakeskin.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Now, in the midst of a subdued market, investors are being more selective, and the new playbook for funding fashion has a lot to do with the quality of that growth, the depth of connection with customers and the founder’s individual appeal.
    — Tara Donaldson, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • The filing suggested replacing it with an outdoor amphitheater, though administration officials have downplayed the idea as a present plan.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Reflecting on her own legacy, Steinem typically downplayed her legendary status.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 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 storefront itself remains restrained, with each window presenting a single frame on a sculptural glass pedestal.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The push comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces criticism at home for a restrained response, trying to balance Japan’s alliance with Washington and its commitment to international justice.
    — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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