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are downplaying

  • present progressive
    of downplay.
    downplay
    verb (used with object)
    to treat or speak of (something) so as to reduce emphasis on its importance, value, strength, etc..

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.

See Examples For:

“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

“They are downplaying it,” said Jenny Arnold, CEO of the Washington State Pharmacy Association, which provides support for the state’s 2,000 community pharmacies and their staffers.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 29, 2024

University employers are downplaying the impact of a marking boycott on students, a union says.

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2023

Airline executives are downplaying that risk, saying the urge to travel remains strong.

From Reuters ● Jan. 18, 2023

And others, often in areas where infection runs rampant, are downplaying the virus’s seriousness and avoiding testing altogether.

From New York Times ● Dec. 23, 2021