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 agency downplayed suspicions that her illness was related to her work but rushed to isolate her contacts. — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 But in recent months, T-Mobile has been downplaying the satellite service and floating the possibility of working with rival providers. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026 Iranian officials have long downplayed the significance of military ties with Russia, or denied them. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026 One federal official involved in the Feeding Our Future case downplayed Jamal’s contributions to the FBI’s investigative work. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 5 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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