downplayed

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.

The same week both citizens were held, administration officials spoke on a panel at a border security conference in Phoenix and downplayed and denied that citizens have been mistakenly detained.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

Pratt has downplayed his party affiliation, pointing out that the mayor’s race is nonpartisan.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Oil prices settled lower Tuesday, with Brent around $110 a barrel, after the Pentagon downplayed Iran’s missile strikes.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

President Donald Trump downplayed the plan’s prospects on Saturday, and Iranian officials were reviewing the U.S. response, according to the Associated Press.

From MarketWatch • May 3, 2026

She had always gone her own way, though she downplayed her choices, calling them accidents.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez