Synonym: background, minimise, minimize, play down, understate. Similar words: screenplay, play down, downpour, in place, in place of, play, lay down, play off. Meaning: v. 1. represent as less significant or important 2. understate the importance or quality of.
31 If someone was timid, I'd downplay my accomplishments because I didn't want them to feel uncomfortable.
32 It'should also be straight and not too curvy to downplay the roundness of the face.
33 In contrast, the education systems of today a tendency to downplay the foundational subjects.
34 To that end, Bryant did his best Wednesday to downplay any widespread team issues.
More similar words: screenplay, play down, downpour, in place, in place of, play, lay down, play off, playoff, player, replay, playing, display, play with, fair play, play a part, on display, horseplay, plaything, interplay, playground, playwright, play havoc with, nonplussed, unpleasant, lay, clay, allay, lay out, flay.