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Definitions

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 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

The reporters had also established that the so-called “after-action” report on the fire had been altered to downplay failures by the department and the city, all of which was scandalous enough.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2026

The former chief nursing officer told the inquiry: "In no way would I have sought to downplay the seriousness of the concerns conveyed by Dr Peters."

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

They try to keep smiling and downplay the hardship.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee




Vocabulary lists containing downplay