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
Under his administration, some EPA scientists say they were pressured to downplay the risks of new chemicals, according to reporting by ProPublica.
—
Benji Jones, Vox, 28 Jan. 2025
Carroll, a Marin County native and product of Redwood High, even downplayed the aspect of winning the fourth Lombardi Trophy for the franchise.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025
Johnson left the Cowboys due to differences with Jones over player personnel and comments the owner made in public downplaying his coaching abilities after winning his second straight Super Bowl.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025
Despite this, Trump has downplayed climate change's role.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for downplay 
Benji Jones, Vox, 28 Jan. 2025
Carroll, a Marin County native and product of Redwood High, even downplayed the aspect of winning the fourth Lombardi Trophy for the franchise.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025
Johnson left the Cowboys due to differences with Jones over player personnel and comments the owner made in public downplaying his coaching abilities after winning his second straight Super Bowl.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025
Despite this, Trump has downplayed climate change's role.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for downplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplay
Verb
-
Our limited newsletter series guides you on how to minimize your personal role in the climate crisis — and reduce your eco-anxiety.—
Martha Shade,
CNN,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Why did so many economists and policymakers minimize the potential devastation that free trade with China would wreak on many Americans?—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
But in October, 2023, Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar, whose office prosecutes crimes across the county, decided to drop charges after a motion to dismiss was filed by the defense.—
Alex Malm,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Despite the positive identifications, prosecutors dismissed the murder case against Walton six months after the preliminary hearing.—
Jakob Rodgers,
The Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Jean-Baptiste, her mouth set in a tight-lipped frown, her eyes ablaze with fear and loathing, soft-pedals nothing.—
Justin Chang,
The New Yorker,
3 Jan. 2025
-
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
Articles Related to downplay
Thesaurus Entries Near downplay
Cite this Entry
“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplay. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share