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.

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

From Los Angeles Times

He initially refused to answer, but later downplayed the revolt to CNN.

From Salon

It is tempting to downplay these hateful displays as fringe.

From Salon

This past Wednesday, Musk appeared to confirm the IPO plans, after earlier downplaying SpaceX’s need for cash.

From Barron's

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