1. making something seem less important, serious, or significant than it actually is
Usage: present participle of downplay

1. the act of making something appear less important or serious
Usage: gerund form

Examples

• The company is downplaying the severity of the data breach.
• She accused the media of downplaying the environmental impact.
• The coach was downplaying expectations before the big game.
• His downplaying of the incident made people suspicious.
• The politician kept downplaying her opponent’s achievements.
• The downplaying of safety concerns proved to be a mistake.
• They’re downplaying the risks to avoid public panic.