play down

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Third is the post-meeting press conference, where Fed Chair Jerome Powell can amplify or play down whatever signals emerge from the other two.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

But he tried to play down the incident, saying the tree was no bigger than a shrub.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

China, however, did little to play down the 2027 claim.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Frank has so far been handed a stay of execution by the club's board, but did not play down the desperation of his side for just a third home league win of the season.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

“Until recently, given the students’ enthusiasm for the reading groups, I was able to play down that data,” she wrote.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove