downplay
verb (used with object)
to treat or speak of (something) so as to reduce emphasis on its importance, value, strength, etc..
downplayed
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past participleof downplay.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof downplay.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
downplayverb (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.
But the minutes merely said that most of the committee expected another hike before the end of the year, a framing aligned with key Fed officials who have downplayed an October hike.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026
US President Donald Trump has downplayed risks posed by artificial intelligence following days of dire warnings by experts.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
When Moulton launched his campaign, he downplayed any real policy differences with Markey.
From Slate ● Sep. 2, 2026
The Postal Service did not respond to a request for comment, but Lauren Bis, a White House spokesperson, downplayed the concerns.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026
“A lot of our history lies beneath the waves. If we do not retrieve our history ourselves, it will be ‘discovered’ and downplayed or be disregarded and continue to dissolve into nothing.”
From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler
