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
The statement also de-emphasizes language toward tech and high-end manufacturing.
—
Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
The states follow a larger nationwide trend where higher incomes often correlate with higher education attainment, and the culture within each state might also contribute or de-emphasize the importance of education or intelligence.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Since then, Disney has taken steps to de-emphasize cable distribution, and the Burbank powerhouse is planning to launch ESPN directly to consumers next year — a move that many in the industry believe will mark the tipping point for the cable channel business.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024
And, just as significantly, this argument de-emphasizes the possibility of collaborating with adversaries on limiting military AI systems, favoring arms race over arms control.
—Nir Eisikovits, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for de-emphasize 
Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
The states follow a larger nationwide trend where higher incomes often correlate with higher education attainment, and the culture within each state might also contribute or de-emphasize the importance of education or intelligence.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Since then, Disney has taken steps to de-emphasize cable distribution, and the Burbank powerhouse is planning to launch ESPN directly to consumers next year — a move that many in the industry believe will mark the tipping point for the cable channel business.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024
And, just as significantly, this argument de-emphasizes the possibility of collaborating with adversaries on limiting military AI systems, favoring arms race over arms control.
—Nir Eisikovits, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-emphasize
Verb
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Our limited newsletter series guides you on how to minimize your personal role in the climate crisis — and reduce your eco-anxiety.—
Martha Shade,
CNN,
11 Feb. 2025
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Why did so many economists and policymakers minimize the potential devastation that free trade with China would wreak on many Americans?—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Recent presidents have increasingly turned to memoranda in part to downplay their exercise of substantive unilateral action usually associated with executive orders.—
Meredith Conroy,
ABC News,
6 Feb. 2025
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Ryan actually downplayed his contribution to Harvey’s performance while echoing the praise Harvey sent his way.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Last month, federal prosecutors in Texas dismissed charges against a doctor accused of unlawfully sharing health records from a children's hospital there.—
Carrie Johnson,
NPR,
18 Feb. 2025
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In October, San Diego Superior Court Judge Aaron Katz dismissed the charge against Lor, ruling that the law requires the threat be specific toward the person allegedly threatened.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Jean-Baptiste, her mouth set in a tight-lipped frown, her eyes ablaze with fear and loathing, soft-pedals nothing.—
Justin Chang,
The New Yorker,
3 Jan. 2025
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The movie One of the darkest true stories on this list, An American Crime never undersells or soft-pedals the ceaseless agony of Likens’ ordeal.—
Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy,
EW.com,
31 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near de-emphasize
Cite this Entry
“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-emphasize. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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