downplay

verb

down·​play ˈdau̇n-ˌplā How to pronounce downplay (audio)
downplayed; downplaying; downplays
Synonyms of downplay

transitive verb

: play down, de-emphasize

Synonyms of downplay

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Examples of downplay in a Sentence

Athletes often downplay their injuries. he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Italian government has sought to downplay any similarities with the protest movement in France. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Yet, the complaint says, both downplayed their firsthand knowledge of the laptop or involvement in investigations during 2023 congressional testimony. — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 But in recent months, the carrier has been downplaying the satellite connectivity, and even signaling it could use a different satellite provider. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 One of the proposal's drafters, Darien Shanske, a law professor at UC Davis, downplays reports of wealthy Californians relocating in anticipation of the measure. — Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downplay

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downplay was in 1948

Rhymes for downplay

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Browse Nearby Words

downpipe
downplay
downpour
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Cite this Entry

“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downplay. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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