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
Tapper may be underplaying the political importance.
—
Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 1 July 2024
Political media largely underplays the vice president’s role in the campaign and specifically her task in reaching out to critical Democratic constituencies.
—Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post, 23 June 2024
Maurice underplays his role, but his heaviest lifting was on his arrival before last season in putting in his defensive system and getting players to buy in all the way to the last Stanley Cup Final.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2024
Even Steichen probably underplayed the significance of Raimann’s season.
—The Indianapolis Star, 30 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underplay 
Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 1 July 2024
Political media largely underplays the vice president’s role in the campaign and specifically her task in reaching out to critical Democratic constituencies.
—Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post, 23 June 2024
Maurice underplays his role, but his heaviest lifting was on his arrival before last season in putting in his defensive system and getting players to buy in all the way to the last Stanley Cup Final.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2024
Even Steichen probably underplayed the significance of Raimann’s season.
—The Indianapolis Star, 30 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underplay
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underplay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near underplay
Cite this Entry
“Underplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underplay. Accessed 15 Jul. 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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