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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of downplay
Trump also downplayed Musk’s impact on the 2024 election — during which the CEO spent more than $200 million on Trump’s campaign, as well as on the campaigns of other Republicans.
—
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
Singer said that a public apology, besides being important for those who are personally affected, can help raise awareness about the violations because there is a tendency to downplay the existence and significance of the abuses.
—The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025
But while Russian authorities tried to downplay the attack, several high-profile Russian military bloggers have been vocal in their criticism.
—Benjamin Brown, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Meanwhile, Eisman is downplaying risks tied to balancing the massive U.S. budget deficit .
—Stephanie Landsman, CNBC, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
Singer said that a public apology, besides being important for those who are personally affected, can help raise awareness about the violations because there is a tendency to downplay the existence and significance of the abuses.
—The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025
But while Russian authorities tried to downplay the attack, several high-profile Russian military bloggers have been vocal in their criticism.
—Benjamin Brown, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Meanwhile, Eisman is downplaying risks tied to balancing the massive U.S. budget deficit .
—Stephanie Landsman, CNBC, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplay
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.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2025
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While not always the case, most stairwells are located in the center of a building, away from windows and exterior walls, which can help minimize damage from weather events.—
Maddie Topliff,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 June 2025
Verb
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Despite seeking help from her local GP, her concerns were initially dismissed.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
6 June 2025
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The lawsuit sparked a years-long legal battle that was ultimately voluntarily dismissed in late 2022.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
6 June 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
“Downplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downplay. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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