underplay

[uhn-der-pley, uhn-der-pley] / ˌʌn dərˈpleɪ, ˈʌn dərˌpleɪ /

VERB

minimize

Synonyms

STRONGEST

curtail decrease diminish downplay lessen play down reduce trivialize underestimate

STRONG

abbreviate attenuate belittle cheapen decry deprecate depreciate derogate detract discount disparage dwarf knock miniaturize pan pooh-pooh prune shrink

WEAK

cut down to size knock down make light of make little of poor-mouth put down run down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

develop enlarge expand extend grow increase lengthen prolong raise strengthen

STRONG

approve build up commend compliment exalt laud praise

WEAK

maximize overestimate overrate

VERB

play down

Synonyms

STRONGEST

belittle deemphasize gloss over minimize mute soft pedal soften

WEAK

hold back make light of make little of restrain underrate

Antonyms

WEAK

blow up build up explode play up

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.

Its singular radiance owes much to both romantic and religious impulses that Mr. Roeck’s book underplays.

From The Wall Street Journal

It should all be thrown away, underplayed, said on the run.”

From Los Angeles Times

No proper analysis can just ignore the reality of how underplayed the Wallabies were in the first Test.

From BBC

Knapp, who lost her home and plans to rebuild, did not underplay the years of recovery ahead, but as we spoke, she dropped a few cubes of sugar into that bitter cup of coffee.

From Los Angeles Times

Matt Roush adds, “Subtlety rarely wins awards, but I’d like to see Harrison Ford’s masterful underplaying as ‘Shrinking’s’ grouchy shrink prove me wrong.”

From Los Angeles Times

underplay

Example Sentences

Related Words