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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.

The otter swim instructors say they were told to downplay the bites as “just animal things” and to offer Neosporin and a bandaid.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

“And in the absence of a definite statement from Iran there is a tendency to downplay comments from the U.S. administration.”

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 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

When news of the operation broke Sunday, the Chihuahua attorney general, César Jáuregui Moreno, attempted to downplay its significance, insisting that U.S. officials did not participate in the drug raid.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

As Luke was opening his mouth to downplay it, to tell her it wasn’t a problem—that Toby was as tough as he was annoying—Annie leaned over and kissed him.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss




Vocabulary lists containing downplay


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