downplay

verb

down·​play ˈdau̇n-ˌplā 

downplayed; downplaying; downplays

transitive verb

: play down, de-emphasize

Synonyms

• de-emphasize
• play down
• soft-pedal

Examples of downplay in a Sentence

Athletes often downplay their injuries.

he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success

Recent Examples on the Web

Interestingly, the Administration is not downplaying the impact of all this uncertainty but rather warning that some short-term pain will be worth the long term gains. —Michael Lynch, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

Signs of a slowdown For now, most Wall Street analysts downplay the risks of an immediate recession, noting that the job market remains healthy. —Alain Sherter, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025

Brunson has always downplayed the minutes discussion when asked. —James L. Edwards Iii, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025

Amid the measles outbreak — which has led to more than 200 cases and two deaths — Kennedy has downplayed the significance of vaccinations, instead doubling down on supplements like vitamin A and cod liver oil, which do not prevent infection. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for downplay

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret