as in to minimize
to reduce in apparent importance
he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
As a book by the late Virginia Giuffre sparks new international interest in Jeffrey Epstein, House Republicans are still downplaying the need for a vote on releasing the Justice Department’s case files.
—
Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Tagovailoa, however, downplayed the existence of an internal rift.
—Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Peters also downplayed any strategy to grow through major acquisitions after earlier industry consolidation.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
Vance on Tuesday downplayed concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire but declined to put a timeline on the return of all deceased hostages and Hamas’ complete disarmament.
—Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Tagovailoa, however, downplayed the existence of an internal rift.
—Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Peters also downplayed any strategy to grow through major acquisitions after earlier industry consolidation.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
Vance on Tuesday downplayed concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire but declined to put a timeline on the return of all deceased hostages and Hamas’ complete disarmament.
—Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplay
Verb
-
Like machines, most companies are designed to create efficient, predictable outcomes; minimize risk; and eliminate variation.—
Jana Werner,
Harvard Business Review,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The medication contains a small amount of radioactive material, which means it must be handled carefully to minimize radiation exposure.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In July 2024, Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial ended by being dismissed with prejudice after his attorneys argued that prosecutors had buried evidence.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
In Monday’s filing, lawyers for Robert Morris and his wife, Debbie Morris, argue Clemishire’s claims should be dismissed in part because the statute of limitations on them have expired.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Translation: compliance burdens are rising, even if the U.S. is soft-pedaling near-term enforcement.—
Pam Kaur,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Nothing grates quite like those slick pharmaceutical ads blaring across the TV, promising quick fixes while soft-pedaling potential side effects.—
Alex Ward,
Boston Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplay. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share