as in to minimize
to reduce in apparent importance
he self-deprecatingly downplays his own contributions to the festival's success
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Recent Examples of downplay
In a joint Zoom interview in November, both Guadagnino and Craig downplayed the importance of Lee’s queerness, which came as a surprise given the film’s title, for one thing.
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Rich Juzwiak, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024
Tucci, a reassuring screen presence for more than three decades, is casually excellent as the iconoclastic Bellini, wisely downplaying his character’s physicality in favor of meek conviction.
—Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024
Their strategy resulted in Trump downplaying China’s crackdown against protesters in Hong Kong, expressing support for its internment camps in Xinjiang, offering to lift export controls on Huawei and ZTE, and even accepting a trade deal that did not address China’s industrial policy practices.
—Rush Doshi, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2024
Online critics immediately pounced on the outlet for seeming to downplay the kidnapping and terrorist element involved in Kogan's death.
—Fox News Staff, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for downplay 
Rich Juzwiak, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024
Tucci, a reassuring screen presence for more than three decades, is casually excellent as the iconoclastic Bellini, wisely downplaying his character’s physicality in favor of meek conviction.
—Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024
Their strategy resulted in Trump downplaying China’s crackdown against protesters in Hong Kong, expressing support for its internment camps in Xinjiang, offering to lift export controls on Huawei and ZTE, and even accepting a trade deal that did not address China’s industrial policy practices.
—Rush Doshi, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2024
Online critics immediately pounced on the outlet for seeming to downplay the kidnapping and terrorist element involved in Kogan's death.
—Fox News Staff, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for downplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplay
Verb
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By emphasizing the organization’s commitment to mutual respect and shared goals, HR leaders can minimize disruptions while maximizing team effectiveness. 4.Melanie Hughes, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
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Through the park search, the NYPD has taken steps to minimize disruption to visitors, leading to an odd juxtaposition of joggers, tourists and an active crime scene.Cedar Attanasio and Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The case was previously scheduled to go to trial in August 2025, but is now expected to be dismissed.Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
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The charges were later dismissed and Nifong was disbarred.Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The movie One of the darkest true stories on this list, An American Crime never undersells or soft-pedals the ceaseless agony of Likens’ ordeal.Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024
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Popular on Variety Navarro doesn’t soft-pedal her disdain for recent remarks former President Donald Trump has made about immigrants eating dogs and cats — just one of the hot topics Phillip and a shifting ensemble of pundits, reporters and experts tackle each weeknight.Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 Sep. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplay. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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