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.

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

“Maybe I’m just downplaying us a little bit too much in that.”

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

While not downplaying the risks, Rice University’s Medlock pointed out that pipelines can be fixed relatively quickly.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

But what if the signals are downplaying the risks?

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 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