1
as in to understate
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of underplay However, testimony also revealed text messages and emails between Gray and his supervisors that prosecutors say appeared to underplay the severity of the incident on the day of the shooting. —
Skyler Henry, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026 Most importantly, the film tries to underplay the massive identity and religious politics that the Bengal border has seen since the lines were drawn. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Nov. 2025 At one point, MacLachlan orchestrates a heart-stopping moment of reckoning for Bill and Tammy, written with a sudden, cathartic directness—a break in their usual language of deferential hesitations—which the actors underplay to perfection. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025 None of this is to underplay the value of this agreement to Paramount’s streaming business. —Josef Adalian, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underplay
Skyler Henry, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026 Most importantly, the film tries to underplay the massive identity and religious politics that the Bengal border has seen since the lines were drawn. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Nov. 2025 At one point, MacLachlan orchestrates a heart-stopping moment of reckoning for Bill and Tammy, written with a sudden, cathartic directness—a break in their usual language of deferential hesitations—which the actors underplay to perfection. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025 None of this is to underplay the value of this agreement to Paramount’s streaming business. —Josef Adalian, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underplay
Verb
-
The service As the hospitality definition of quiet luxury, Aman’s service is exacting yet understated, respectful and personalized.— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
-
Yes, Reid is understating his profound influence over it all, whether that’s directly through frequent conversations with Veach or via what’s simply understood between them by now.— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
History suggests that an overconfident Tehran will overplay its hand.— Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2026
-
Lue has tried to stagger their minutes to not overplay them.— Janis Carr, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The NYT‘s profile either downplayed or omitted all of these glaring ethical red flags.— Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 9 Apr. 2026
-
The organization has sought to downplay the news, sharing it on LinkedIn on Thursday rather than issuing a formal press release or splashy social media post to avoid detracting from Fashion Revolution Week.— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Maryland has enacted a nearly identical law.— Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026
-
Braun enacted the holiday via emergency declaration — an unusual step — but one that delivers immediate relief at the pump.— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That secret shakes Charlie’s love for his intended, messes with work, affects his performance in bed and prompts him to spiral out, overacting at every step.— Mark Kennedy, Boston Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
-
Adrien Brody can’t stop overacting in a commercial for TurboTax.— Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Friends and family say this isn't the first time in this trial Wright has acted out, from removing himself from the stand to missing court dates.— WCCO Staff, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
-
This reality means that the environmental review angle can be an effective veto over development by NIMBY groups and others acting out of ideological rather than environmentally-conscious concerns.— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
My goal here, as always, is to dramatize this story.— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
-
Robber Robber don’t relive their apartment fire in literal terms on the album or dramatize the months spent living out of suitcases.— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Rue takes to this teaching like the Torah, ogling the girls grinding for bills with a fervor that mimics that of a religious revelation.— Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
-
When victims opened these links, they were directed to fraudulent websites designed to mimic legitimate ones.— Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/underplay. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
