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
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
  • The idea is that airport security operations can remain unaffected by funding lapses and government shutdowns, while still maintaining strict federal oversight and regulations.
    — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026
  • These tides are predicted to be lower than those in June, and the Weather Service estimates that areas not impacted in June can expect to be unaffected over the next week as well.
    — Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • Today, designers and homeowners alike are leaning towards matte or satin finishes that feel more natural, understated, and, most importantly, can withstand the wear and tear that comes with everyday life.
    — Nomita Vaish-Taylor, The Spruce, 13 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of understated
Verb
  • Florida’s Second Chance Act was enacted after years of collaboration among physicians, families affected by sudden cardiac arrest, legislators, athletic leaders, and advocacy organizations.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026
  • New Jersey enacted its assault weapons law in 1990 following a mass shooting at a California elementary school.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026
Definition of enacted
Adjective
  • The mash-fest seems to fit the streamer’s sweet spot of entertainment-heavy sporting events, though if anything, its presentation of the derby felt surprisingly subdued in comparison to past spectacles.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026
  • Taking the stage before the subdued audience, Mexico’s Alonso Ruizpalacios acknowledged the collective disappointment by turning to Elizabeth Butcher’s poem One Art.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 8 July 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • On top of that, Saka downplayed all the criticisms of Tuchel coming into Saturday’s match.
    — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • In our most recent conversation, Gershman dismissed the account Sebold gave in her memoir and downplayed the parts of her testimony that were more ambiguous.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 17 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
  • Expectations for Langford should still be in the restrained, cautiously optimistic category.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
  • The famous curtains remain too, but in a more restrained way.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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