as in to minimize
to reduce in apparent importance
he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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 downplay
The White House has downplayed the protests., issuing a statement defended the administration’s actions as essential to the country’s financial future.
—
David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2025
Trump has downplayed concerns about this week’s market volatility, at one point comparing the reaction to a patient who undergoes surgery.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025
Trump downplayed Loomer’s influence on the firings.
—Zeke Miller, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Even at 20%, however, some analysts are downplaying the potential boost to inflation.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2025
Trump has downplayed concerns about this week’s market volatility, at one point comparing the reaction to a patient who undergoes surgery.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025
Trump downplayed Loomer’s influence on the firings.
—Zeke Miller, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Even at 20%, however, some analysts are downplaying the potential boost to inflation.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplay
Verb
-
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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Apr. 2025
-
In relationships, this dynamic plays out as toxic positivity — the tendency to dismiss or minimize distress in favor of maintaining an upbeat tone.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
For example, Linux was once dismissed as a fringe project.—
Robert Clark,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Some say the race was always going to be difficult to win due to inflation and criticism toward the party dismissing concerns about former President Joe Biden's age.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
In 2024, Paul Weiss didn’t soft-pedal its liberal leanings.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2025
-
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
“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplay. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share