downplay
verb (used with object)
to treat or speak of (something) so as to reduce emphasis on its importance, value, strength, etc..
is downplaying
-
present progressiveof downplay (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
The Treasury is downplaying the idea that Number 10 North could become in effect a rival department.
From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026
No one around the program is downplaying what that milestone would mean now.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2025
Across the country, physicians, clinic staff and public health experts say that the shortage is preventing them from reining in a surge of syphilis and that the federal government is downplaying the crisis.
From Salon ● Mar. 6, 2024
Not that Carroll is downplaying the significance of the moment, and what such an event means for allowing players and others to keep ties as close as possible as lives begin to change.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 20, 2023
When I try, I get this message, which feels like it is downplaying the issue: “There is a small problem with the server, fixing it now.”
From The Verge ● Jul. 6, 2021
