DOWNPLAYING Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

downplaying

verb

present participle of downplay

as in minimizing

to reduce in apparent importance he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success

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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 downplaying But since SpaceX floated the idea of becoming a US carrier, T-Mobile has been downplaying satellite connectivity and even suggested working with other satellite partners. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 Eight states sued OpenAI this week, alleging that the AI company caused severe harm to users, many of them underage, while downplaying the risks of its technology. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 15 Oct. 2026 In recent weeks, Mets fans have tried to rewrite history, downplaying his role as a leader, and Pete Alonso’s as well. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026 The complaint suggested that OpenAI’s defense will likely be to blame Van Rootselaar for their violent inputs, while downplaying ChatGPT’s outputs. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026 Baseball has a long tradition of players downplaying injuries, out of a desire to play and a belief in their own perseverance. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026 Those inside Netflix, per individuals with close knowledge of the company, are downplaying the significance of this theatrical flirtation. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026 These positive connotations associated with scientific research help the AI industry signal altruism while downplaying their profit-making ambitions. — Matthew Sun, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 Over the years, Marco Polo has adapted to the neighborhood’s changing demographics by downplaying its old-world Italian extravagance. — Rachel Corbett, Curbed, 31 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplaying

Verb

Compensation and advancement below the partner level can’t just be about minimizing cost.

— Tim Brackney, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Tsai, the Stanford professor, has conducted research on how emotion in American culture puts value on trying to always feel positive and minimizing negativity and sadness.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of minimizing

Verb

In September, Judge Jonathan Medema ordered a stay of the civil case so the two sides could work to resolve the dispute without dismissing the case.

— Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2026
The court granted that request, entering judgment for the United States on Count III of the government’s complaint and dismissing the remaining counts as moot.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of dismissing

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downplayed

downplaying

downplays

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“Downplaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplaying. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of downplaying

verb

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