downplay

American  

[doun-pley] / ˈdaʊnˌpleɪ /

verb (used with object)

1. 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.

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downplay British  

/ ˈdaʊnˌpleɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to play down; make little of

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Etymology

Origin of downplay

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

Example Sentences

Quarterback Lamar Jackson downplayed the impact, telling reporters, “He’s a rookie, you know. It’s all good. Just leave it in the past.”

From Los Angeles Times

Local media's accounting of the protests is not exhaustive, and state-run outlets have downplayed their coverage of the demonstrations, while videos flooding social media are often impossible to verify.

From Barron's

However, local media do not necessarily report on every incident, and state media have downplayed coverage of protests, while videos flooding social media are often impossible to verify.

From Barron's

But as pressure mounted on the state to fund soil testing, the California Environmental Protection Agency secretary downplayed public health risks from fire contamination.

From Los Angeles Times

A blistering Times investigation found that the Fire Department cleaned up its after-action report, downplaying missteps.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lessen
• play down
• soften