downplay
verb (used with object)
to treat or speak of (something) so as to reduce emphasis on its importance, value, strength, etc..
are downplaying
-
present progressiveof downplay.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
“I think people are downplaying the significance of Nimbyism in this country right now,” Purohit said, adding that companies looking to sell this summer will be scrutinized for how they plan to handle it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
Iranian officials and media have confirmed there was an attempted strike but are downplaying the significance of it.
From BBC ● Apr. 19, 2024
Airline executives are downplaying that risk, saying the urge to travel remains strong.
From Reuters ● Jan. 18, 2023
British officials, however, are downplaying the chances of success.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 23, 2021
“I think what the lawsuits are downplaying is that this is just the starting point. It doesn’t mean that they can’t go above and beyond.”
From New York Times ● Jul. 9, 2020
