underplay

verb

un·​der·​play ˌən-dər-ˈplā How to pronounce underplay (audio)
underplayed; underplaying; underplays
Synonyms of underplaynext

intransitive verb

: to play a role with subdued force

transitive verb

1
: to act or present (a role, a scene, etc.) with restraint : play down
2
: to play a card lower than (a held high card)

Examples of underplay in a Sentence

Don't underplay the importance of exercise. I thought she underplayed her character.
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.
Durant seemed to be purposefully underplaying his former teammates. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026 But the teen’s humble retelling underplays a harrowing incident. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Its artistic direction also underplays the war's grim reality, resulting in uninspired worldbuilding. — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 And Morton, in the film’s best turn, underplays her witchiness to extraordinary effect. — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underplay

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of underplay was in 1833

Rhymes for underplay

See All Rhymes for underplay

Browse Nearby Words

underplant
underplay
underplot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underplay. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

underplay

verb
un·​der·​play ˌən-dər-ˈplā How to pronounce underplay (audio)
: to handle carefully
especially : to play a role without much force

More from Merriam-Webster on underplay

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