downplay

verb

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

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
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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.
Unlike other successful launches, the incident appears to have been downplayed on China’s state media with scant mention of the explosion. — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 And while Trump has publicly downplayed reports of a weapons shortage, the issue is on his mind. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 10 Aug. 2026 There were some who thought Swift-Tuttle could collide with Earth in 2126, but that’s been downplayed by many astronomers … stay tuned, though! — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026 Do not downplay your contribution just to keep things comfortable. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 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 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on downplay

Nglish: Translation of downplay for Spanish Speakers

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