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.

Roberts downplayed the challenge of integrating a catcher midseason.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

One word I did not hear at the party, and a topic that Pratt has downplayed on the trail, is rent.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

Bessent downplayed expectations of major new agricultural breakthroughs, suggesting some soybean commitments had already been addressed under previous agreements, but said there was scope for China to increase purchases of US energy, including LNG.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

But both Caine and Hegseth downplayed those hostilities, with the general describing it as "low harassing fire" and the Pentagon chief saying that "right now, the ceasefire certainly holds."

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

For generations, American history books hid or downplayed the evils of slavery.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis