as in to minimize
to reduce in apparent importance
you're at a point in your career where you can de-emphasize your academic record and emphasize your work experience
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Recent Examples of de-emphasize
The Cost of Disconnection Organizations that de-emphasize inclusion and connection risk significant problems.
—
Teresa Hopke, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
However, some Christians have criticized the musical for de-emphasizing the divinity of Jesus and showing Judas as a sympathetic character.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
But its muted black-and-white layout appears to be an attempt by the lawyers to de-emphasize the frenzy that has surrounded their client, said Diana Rickard, a professor who teaches criminal justice at Borough of Manhattan Community College.
—Hurubie Meko, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Since the late 1990s, most American students have been taught to read according to an approach called balanced literacy, which de-emphasizes phonics and explicit decoding in favor of fostering pleasure in reading.
—Thomas Howell, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Teresa Hopke, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
However, some Christians have criticized the musical for de-emphasizing the divinity of Jesus and showing Judas as a sympathetic character.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
But its muted black-and-white layout appears to be an attempt by the lawyers to de-emphasize the frenzy that has surrounded their client, said Diana Rickard, a professor who teaches criminal justice at Borough of Manhattan Community College.
—Hurubie Meko, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Since the late 1990s, most American students have been taught to read according to an approach called balanced literacy, which de-emphasizes phonics and explicit decoding in favor of fostering pleasure in reading.
—Thomas Howell, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-emphasize
Verb
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Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Apr. 2025
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In relationships, this dynamic plays out as toxic positivity — the tendency to dismiss or minimize distress in favor of maintaining an upbeat tone.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Beginning in the 1960s, American food companies—some of which have been run by tobacco companies—engaged in nefarious corporate practices to create addictive products like sugary drinks, heavily market those products to the American public, and aggressively downplay their health harms.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
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Training rather than bravery In several interviews over the years, McCarthy has downplayed the notion that bravery had much to do with his actions.—
Mike Nolan,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Some say the race was always going to be difficult to win due to inflation and criticism toward the party dismissing concerns about former President Joe Biden's age.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
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The letter asks Judge Walsh to dismiss the OCA’s lawsuit.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In 2024, Paul Weiss didn’t soft-pedal its liberal leanings.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2025
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Goldberg Tuesday scoffed at the denials and efforts to soft-pedal the extent and potential danger of the breach.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-emphasize. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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