downplay
verb (used with object)
to treat or speak of (something) so as to reduce emphasis on its importance, value, strength, etc..
is downplaying
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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.
However, environmentalists say the state is downplaying the risk.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2024
Beijing is downplaying the limitless nature of its strategic partnership with Moscow, says Zhao Tong, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment.
From BBC ● May 15, 2024
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
And he said the media coalition is downplaying the risks.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 16, 2021
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
