downplay

verb

ˈdau̇n-ˌplā How to pronounce downplay (audio)
Definition of downplaynext
as in to minimize
to reduce in apparent importance he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Contreras, who has been playing through a leg issue recently, downplayed the incident postgame. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 Goode, who has made his living as a special teams standout with 698 snaps in three seasons, and could take that route to earning a roster spot again this season, downplayed his backburner status at edge rusher. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 At the same time, O'Neill said, Meta's executives were downplaying or denying the addictiveness of the platforms. — John Ruwitch, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026 But acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao recently said the ship would return home and sought to downplay criticisms that sailors were facing mental health problems during the long deployment. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplay
  1. minimize
  2. dismiss
  3. soft-pedal
Verb
  • Prosecutors revealed Davis’ admittedly big mouth had been opening to investigators since 1998 – only two years after Shakur was gunned down – in a series of secret interviews trying to minimize his own legal damage by giving information to the cops.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • This is intended to minimize degradation, reducing contrast decay and improving light projection reliability, ultimately extending the screen's lifespan.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • Zhykovych’s lawyer, Anatoliy Ivanov, dismissed the allegations, telling CNN that Reut was the organizer and killer and was seeking to shift the blame onto Zhykovych.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Chauvin is looking to have his conviction vacated and the charges dismissed.
    — Riley Moser, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • Its screenplay, which Dolan hatched in collaboration with three others, tries to soft-pedal predictable beats that nonetheless end up the only ones getting beaten.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
  • But Paddy’s isn’t Sudz, and the Gang’s efforts to soft-pedal their antics to be more in line with those mainstream bars devolved into typical Sunny-style hostility and off-putting grossness.
    — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026
Definition of soft-pedal

Browse Nearby Words

down payments
downplay
downplayed
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Cite this Entry

“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplay. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on downplay

Nglish: Translation of downplay for Spanish Speakers

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