downplaying

VERB

minimize

Synonyms

STRONGEST

lessen play down soften

STRONG

devalue whitewash

WEAK

attach little importance to deemphasize give little weight to make light of think nothing of

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.

See Examples For:

downplaying

Gardner makes his job look easy, but he says his understudies accused him of downplaying just how challenging it can be.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026

However, he warned that the telecommunications industry is still downplaying the risk from satellite competitors, which in his view is a mistake.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026

“I think people are downplaying the significance of Nimbyism in this country right now,” Purohit said, adding that companies looking to sell this summer will be scrutinized for how they plan to handle it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

Despite the downplaying of any breakthrough from senior officials, Iran's top negotiator and foreign minister were in Doha for talks with Qatar's prime minister on a potential deal with the US, Reuters reported.

From BBC ● May 26, 2026

Media accounts persistently bright-side the situation, highlighting the occasional success stories and downplaying the acknowledged increase in hunger.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich