Synonyms

downplay

American

[doun-pley] / ˈdaʊnˌpleɪ /

verb (used with object)

to treat or speak of (something) so as to reduce emphasis on its importance, value, strength, etc..

The press has downplayed the president's role in the negotiations.

downplay British

/ ˈdaʊnˌpleɪ /

verb

(tr) to play down; make little of

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of downplay

1950–55; down ¹ + play, from verb phrase play down

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Over the years, Bill Gates and his representatives have downplayed his connection with Epstein.

From BBC

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche downplayed the breach in victim safety, saying that the errors affected “. 001% of all the materials.”

From Salon

Russell and team boss Toto Wolff were downplaying expectations of Mercedes, saying it was impossible to know at this stage which team was the most competitive.

From BBC

Kainerugaba has in the past downplayed some of his remarks as "musings" and "abstractions" that do not need to be taken seriously.

From BBC

Italian authorities initially denied the presence of ICE and then sought to downplay any role, suggesting they would help only in security for the US delegation.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023