downplay

verb

down·​play ˈdau̇n-ˌplā How to pronounce downplay (audio)
downplayed; downplaying; downplays

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
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.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers downplayed the episode in a statement to CNN. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 25 July 2025 The Fed staff downplayed the inscription as a joke. Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 24 July 2025 Bowser, the mayor of D.C., downplayed the suggestion that Trump’s most recent fixation would ultimately derail a plan that has been bandied about for years. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 23 July 2025 The news came as a surprise to many, as Williams previously downplayed dating and the pressures of settling down. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for downplay

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downplay was in 1948

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Cite this Entry

“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downplay. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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