downplay

verb

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

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.
Many Hindu nationalists, however, downplay or reject this scenario, in part because of its lingering association with colonial narratives about a race of fair-skinned Aryans conquering the region. Byvaishnavi Chandrashekhar, science.org, 4 Nov. 2024 In relationships with strong traditional roles, many women feel pressure to downplay or keep their differing views quiet to maintain peace with their partners. Erin Coulehan, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2024 Perfectionists downplay or dismiss their own accomplishments, setting their sights on what could still be better. Aliza Knox, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 Khamenei’s remarks on Saturday signal a departure from Iran’s initial attempts to downplay the severity of the strikes carried out by Israel on October 25. Vasco Cotovio, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near downplay

Cite this Entry

“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downplay. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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