Definitions

1. verb

to treat something as less important or serious than it is, or to make it seem less serious than it is

“The news agency downplayed the severity of the storm to avoid panic.”

2. verb

to reduce the importance or significance of something

“The company downplayed the financial loss to avoid a decline in stock prices.”

3. noun

the act of treating something as less important or serious than it is

“The downplay of the issue was criticized by the opposition party.”