as in to minimize
to reduce in apparent importance
you're at a point in your career where you can de-emphasize your academic record and emphasize your work experience
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Recent Examples of de-emphasize
But she was frustrated by the gallery’s refusal to show her drawings, which would have de-emphasized her image as a sculptor.
—
Hilarie M. Sheets, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S is the second-straight generation of Xbox hardware with falling sales, according to analysts, and the company’s leadership has de-emphasized its consoles in favor of promoting a message that gamers can play Xbox games on phones, smart TVs, VR headsets and other hardware.
—Kif Leswing, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
Society has to encourage learning alongside and after formal education, de-emphasize risks of embarrassment, and celebrate the joy that comes with being seen and understood.
—Olivia Antigua, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
On a Tuesday earnings call, CEO Ashley Buchanan said the company has fallen short in recent years by focusing too much on new categories and de-emphasizing core products such as fine jewelry, petite clothing and proprietary brands.
—Russell Leung, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Hilarie M. Sheets, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S is the second-straight generation of Xbox hardware with falling sales, according to analysts, and the company’s leadership has de-emphasized its consoles in favor of promoting a message that gamers can play Xbox games on phones, smart TVs, VR headsets and other hardware.
—Kif Leswing, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
Society has to encourage learning alongside and after formal education, de-emphasize risks of embarrassment, and celebrate the joy that comes with being seen and understood.
—Olivia Antigua, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
On a Tuesday earnings call, CEO Ashley Buchanan said the company has fallen short in recent years by focusing too much on new categories and de-emphasizing core products such as fine jewelry, petite clothing and proprietary brands.
—Russell Leung, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-emphasize
Verb
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Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2025
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While not always the case, most stairwells are located in the center of a building, away from windows and exterior walls, which can help minimize damage from weather events.—
Maddie Topliff,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 June 2025
Verb
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In high-stakes projects, leaders may downplay their employees’ efforts and exaggerate their mistakes.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Both players downplayed the skirmish after the game.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Verb
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The charges were dismissed because West’s cause of death was not determined, and some evidence had been illegally obtained. (Netflix) Lewis was convicted of six counts of mail fraud in a 1981 credit card scheme in Kansas City.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
25 May 2025
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During the hearing for Pulido, Homeland Security lawyer Carolyn Marie Thompkins explicitly stated that the case would be dismissed because the government planned on deporting Pulido.—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
Verb
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In 2024, Paul Weiss didn’t soft-pedal its liberal leanings.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2025
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Goldberg Tuesday scoffed at the denials and efforts to soft-pedal the extent and potential danger of the breach.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-emphasize. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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