underplay
verb
un·der·play
ˌən-dər-ˈplā 
underplayed; underplaying; underplays
: to play a role with subdued force
1
: to act or present (a role, a scene, etc.) with restraint : play down
2
: to play a card lower than (a held high card)
Examples of underplay in a Sentence
Don't underplay the importance of exercise.
I thought she underplayed her character.
Recent Examples on the Web
The commission notes the abject shortcomings of anti-money-laundering measures but badly underplay the enduring capacities of wealthy trafficking organizations to defy counternarcotics efforts.
—
Richard Feinberg, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021
The contributors underplay the overwhelming pressures of population growth and rapid urbanization in some parts of Latin America, as well as the growing aspirations of middle classes that current growth rates will not soon satisfy.
—Richard Feinberg, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2020
This double character of Arte Povera—artistic innovation intertwined with political critique—is visible in the artworks, even if the curators underplay it.
—Wilson Tarbox, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2024
Nevertheless, this should not be an excuse for underplaying risks or panic peddling.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underplay 
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Richard Feinberg, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021
The contributors underplay the overwhelming pressures of population growth and rapid urbanization in some parts of Latin America, as well as the growing aspirations of middle classes that current growth rates will not soon satisfy.
—Richard Feinberg, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2020
This double character of Arte Povera—artistic innovation intertwined with political critique—is visible in the artworks, even if the curators underplay it.
—Wilson Tarbox, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2024
Nevertheless, this should not be an excuse for underplaying risks or panic peddling.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underplay
Dictionary Entries Near underplay
Cite this Entry
“Underplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underplay. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underplay
verb
un·der·play
ˌən-dər-ˈplā
: to handle carefully
especially
: to play a role without much force
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