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downplay

[doun-pley] / ˈdaʊnˌpleɪ /


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.

McSweeney also sought to downplay claims about Lord Mandelson's influence over the current Labour government, arguing that while he would offer up advice he was far from the only figure to do this.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

The court tried to downplay this point by saying that it is just a “poster” and therefore lacks any coercive effect.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

The strong desire to remain at home can lead owners to downplay future expenses and assume things will somehow “work out.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

“South Korea will downplay the moving of U.S. assets to maintain a good relationship with Trump,” said Grossman, who is now a professor at the University of Southern California.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

They try to keep smiling and downplay the hardship.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee




Vocabulary lists containing downplay


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