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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Recent Examples of downplay
However, there is little expectation that those concerns would be heeded by Trump administration officials, who either deny or downplay the threat of global warming.
—
Lisa Friedman, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
The former top vaccines official at the Food and Drug Administration criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for downplaying the deaths of unvaccinated children from measles, amid this year's record outbreak of the virus.
—Alexander Tin, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
But in an age when directors pretend in interviews that everything is done practically, and either deny the use of CGI or downplay its contribution, the stunt community’s fight for recognition has been largely embraced by their bosses.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
Kennedy has also downplayed a fast-growing measles outbreak centered in West Texas that has killed two unvaccinated children.
—Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Lisa Friedman, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
The former top vaccines official at the Food and Drug Administration criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for downplaying the deaths of unvaccinated children from measles, amid this year's record outbreak of the virus.
—Alexander Tin, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
But in an age when directors pretend in interviews that everything is done practically, and either deny the use of CGI or downplay its contribution, the stunt community’s fight for recognition has been largely embraced by their bosses.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
Kennedy has also downplayed a fast-growing measles outbreak centered in West Texas that has killed two unvaccinated children.
—Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downplay
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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On March 4, the day the order to show cause was to be heard, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office dismissed the case.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
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Heyman dismissed fans on social media who have failed to give Rollins his flowers, saying he’s seen pro wrestlers fail in the ring and seen praise on social media for them while others spout nonsense while ignoring historical facts.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
19 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 2025.
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