downplay

[doun-pley]

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.

downplay

/ ˈdaʊnˌpleɪ /

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of downplay¹

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

Example Sentences

The Malian army initially downplayed the blockade, with spokesman Col Souleymane Dembélé dismissing reports of a siege as an "information war orchestrated by foreign media".

From BBC

She downplayed concerns that Musk’s political activity has hurt the company’s performance and suggested he has wide latitude in this regard.

From Los Angeles Times

Warsaw said the incursion was deliberate, but Moscow downplayed the incident and said it had "no plans to target" facilities in Poland.

From BBC

It’s one of the few scenes in this largely factual film that may actually have downplayed the real event.

From Los Angeles Times

However, Zambia's government downplayed the threat, saying there were no longer any serious implications for public health.

From BBC

Related Words

• lessen 
• play down 
• soften