underplay

verb

un·​der·​play ˌən-dər-ˈplā 

underplayed; underplaying; underplays

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

In this controversial Claire Denis work, her longtime themes of desire and survival are crystallized in a dead-eyed probe into understanding our most base impulses and the tension underplaying unsteady erotic connections. —Rory Doherty, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024

Just using endorsement badges to facilitate user choice could be underplaying its value, however. —London Business School, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

But a new analysis this week from the Associated Press concludes the report was based on old data that underplayed the extent of the military’s extremism problem. —Will Carless, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024

Borisov artfully underplays the progression: He’s taken aback by her feral resistance, amused by her spirit, then really sees her. —Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

underplay

verb

un·​der·​play ˌən-dər-ˈplā 

: to handle carefully

especially : to play a role without much force