DOWNPLAYS Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

downplays

verb

present tense third-person singular of downplay

as in minimizes

to reduce in apparent importance he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success

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Recent Examples of downplays In her role as well as elsewhere, Kalle downplays the explicit homophobia that might have rendered this a more simplistic allegory, making Asla less a figure of interfering jealousy than a woman who simply doesn’t want to be abandoned yet again. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026 Miller also downplays concerns about competition with the Jaguar Type 01, highlighting the GT's greater versatility fcompared to Jaguar's more design-focused, less practical offering. — James Morris, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 In Philadelphia, the Park Service now downplays the importance of slavery to understanding the first president. — John Garrison Marks, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026 Even as Sand downplays party politics, Democrats are putting faith in him to blaze a trail in the state after struggling electorally in recent cycles. — ABC News, 7 June 2026 That's likely why Mindelle downplays that part of the gig, and instead focuses on the comedy that keeps her on her toes. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 Ezelle, however, downplays his role in advising DBGI. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026 The accessibility of these supplements without restrictions normalizes their use and downplays their serious health risks. — Jad Abdel Nour, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026 The proposition has been met with backlash online, as some believe the name insinuates a connection to the president or downplays the importance of the man who donated the land, whom it is named after. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplays

Verb

According to Augmental, MouthPad's custom design minimizes its impact on speech.

— Jesse Watson , Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Early planning minimizes time spent renegotiating schedules and maximizes time supporting their child’s interests.

— Rebecca L. Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of minimizes

Verb

Democratic lawmakers demand investigations and an oversight visit, alleging dangerous conditions and poor treatment aboard the Lincoln, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismisses the reports as exaggerated and misrepresented.

— Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Rhaenyra also dismisses Mysaria, a wise move carried out in a very unwise manner, given the woman’s cunning.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of dismisses

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downplaying

downplays

downpour

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“Downplays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplays. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of downplays

verb

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