1
as in understating
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2
as in overplaying
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underplaying
Verb
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Michkov’s sophomore season has been a dud, and that may be understating it.—
Kevin Kurz,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026 -
In that scenario, the song is actually understating the case.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
18 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Those quotes were used to provide context and avoid downplaying the role of slavery in the Confederate rebellion, according to a former Harpers Ferry media specialist who inserted them.—
Karin Brulliard,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
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There is no downplaying what’s happening here.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The state passed an emergency rule late Tuesday enacting the cuts, though court challenges are still pending.—
Jonathan Appelbaum,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2026
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DeSantis prohibited districts from enacting a mandate in schools and allowed parents to choose whether to send their children in masks.—
Times staff,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Shortly after trumpeter Ethan Marks took to the sidewalk, one of the American Hotel’s current residents leaned out his window and began vocally and jovially mimicking the fragmented and angular notes coming from the instrument.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
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The radiant tint adds just a touch of glow to the skin—mimicking a post-facial radiance—that doesn’t look glittery or emphasize texture.—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Emotional humans acting out conflicts will never be able to operate a society that values life, liberty and the pursuit of universal happiness.—
Roger Van Zanen,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
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There are also stud shooters for kids who want to get hands-on with acting out an epic battle.—
Kim Snaith,
Space.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock uses this science by imitating the sun’s gradual rise and, when used over time, can even ease your circadian rhythm into a pattern.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
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In critiquing Trump on social media, Newsom has taken to imitating the president’s tone, trolling Trump in his all-caps style.—
Meg Kinnard,
Fortune,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Rocky, who has explored his sartorial aspirations in recent years by cochairing the 2025 Met Gala and taking on positions at Ray-Ban and Puma, was on trial a year ago for a 2021 shooting involving former friend A$AP Relli.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
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Kimber White, president of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, credited Congress for taking on housing.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Trying To Avoid The Generic However, having minimal buttons is hardly an original design strategy when so many EVs have followed this route (aping Tesla).—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
17 Jan. 2026
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The failure of Hollywood’s first take on Godzilla, which reimagined this towering icon into a skittering lizard that was clearly aping more from Jurassic Park than any of the kaiju films that came before it, positioned the start of Godzilla’s third era as something of a return to form.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Underplaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underplaying. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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