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

On Monday, Sir Keir sought to play down any sense of a rift with the civil service when he told MPs: "We have thousands of civil servants who act with integrity and professionalism every day."

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

The probe into Aidan comes as Edmond de Rothschild and its chief executive and owner, Ariane de Rothschild, have sought to play down their ties to Epstein.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Hopefully we’d be done in time to play down in the marsh.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce