play down

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 WHO and the Spanish government have been at pains to play down epidemiological comparisons between the current situation and the Covid pandemic.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Rubio, a devout Catholic, sought to play down the rift ahead of the private audience, which will be followed by talks with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Managers of KKR sought to play down turmoil engulfing private-markets firms, as the New York firm beat analysts’ quarterly earnings forecasts.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

The probe comes as the bank and its chief executive have sought to play down their ties to Epstein.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

“Until recently, given the students’ enthusiasm for the reading groups, I was able to play down that data,” she wrote.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove