Search Dictionary
Definition of downplay

downplay

/ˈdaʊn.pleɪ/
down · play
Past Simple:downplayed
•
Past Participle:downplayed
•
Present Participle:downplaying
JUMP TO:

downplay Lexical Profile

downplay Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make something appear less important, severe, or significant than it really is.

Example

"The company spokesperson tried to downplay the financial losses during the quarterly briefing."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for downplay
Antonyms
View all antonyms for downplay

• Nearby Words

downmarket
downpayment
downpipe
downplay
downpour
downright
downriver

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in American English in the late 1920s as an inversion of the phrasal verb 'play down', modeled on earlier theatrical and journalistic terms like 'upstage'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Downplay. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/downplay
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.