downplay
verb (used with object)
to treat or speak of (something) so as to reduce emphasis on its importance, value, strength, etc..
had downplayed
-
past perfectof downplay.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
In March, Levi Strauss had downplayed the impact of the Iran war.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 7, 2026
Patients I spoke to told me how they had downplayed their symptoms in these questionnaires.
From Slate ● Sep. 15, 2025
A couple years in, Moore realized Astorga had downplayed his skills and promoted him to full-time.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 16, 2025
Judges also argued that Yang had "downplayed" his links with the UFWD, which they said "combined with his relationship with the Duke represented a threat to national security".
From BBC ● Dec. 16, 2024
Throughout his campaign, Cox told me, Zuckerman had downplayed his anti-immigration views, and he had succeeded in quieting his opponents.
From Salon ● Nov. 14, 2024
