downplay

[ doun-pley ]

verb (used with object)

1. to treat or speak of (something) so as to reduce emphasis on its importance, value, strength, etc.:

   The press has downplayed the president's role in the negotiations.

downplay

/ ˈdaʊnˌpleɪ /

verb

1. tr to play down; make little of

Word History and Origins

Origin of downplay¹

1950–55; down ¹ + play, from verb phrase play down

Example Sentences

Hochman downplayed concerns about racial bias, citing an Assembly bill that requires information about the ethnicity of defendants and witnesses to be stripped from investigative reports before filing decisions are made.

From Los Angeles Times

In the past, Trump has sided with Putin over the U.S. intelligence community and constantly refers to the “Russia hoax” to downplay past Russian interference in U.S. elections.

From Los Angeles Times

He has worked to downplay the riot's significance and recast the hundreds of supporters who were convicted as political prisoners.

From BBC

Harris very deliberately downplayed both her gender and racial identity this campaign, in sharp contrast to Hillary Clinton's 2016 run, centered around soaring rhetoric about the candidate breaking the final glass ceiling.

From Salon

But the anchor still managed to downplay voters’ concern, waving off Trump’s assault on the Capitol on Jan. 6 as a “BS issue.”

From Salon

Related Words

• lessen
• play down
• soften