downplay

verb

down·play ˈdau̇n-ˌplā

downplayed; downplaying; downplays

Synonyms of downplay next

transitive verb

: play down, de-emphasize

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 Tenet Media is known for promoting conspiracy theories, giving a platform to extremists, and had downplayed the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. —

Megan Poinski, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 More:Trump surrogates on 'Agenda 47' Milwaukee tour stop downplay talk of Project 2025 Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com. —

Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2024 In the end, his efforts to downplay the COVID threat and blame others for its economic impact were the main contributors to his defeat that fall. —

Ron Elving, NPR, 7 Sep. 2024 Cuomo’s statement appears to severely downplay Sun’s role in the administration. —

Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for downplay

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'downplay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.