underplayed 1 of 2

adjective

as in unaffected

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underplayed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of underplay
1
as in understated

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2
as in overplayed

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of underplayed
Adjective
Also while some moments are over-the-top, others are underplayed and downbeat. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026 Even the goal of the Michelin star was kind of underplayed in the end — what seemed like the goalpost became a spiritual McGuffin. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underplayed
  1. unaffected
  2. understated
  3. enacted
  4. subdued
  5. downplayed
  6. acted out
  7. restrained
Adjective
  • Researchers have long wondered why some people develop these reactions while others seem to skate by unaffected.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Today, Putin follows essentially the same model, seeking to erode allies’ confidence in NATO’s Article 5 by relying on tactics that fall below the threshold of a conventional warfare and leave unaffected members hesitant to respond.
    — Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • Shimmery Gradient Who says fall colors have to be understated?
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The real ones know that the best Chelsea boots make an outfit look understated, elegant, and edgy all at once.
    — Catie Pusateri, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of understated
Verb
  • But Marxists who dreamed of a workers’ republic could not compete with the reformers in Congress who enacted such measures as a progressive income tax, antitrust legislation, and a ban on child labor.
    — Michael Kazin, The New York Review of Books, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Cuba has enacted a raft of economic reforms aimed at opening up the private sector, but Cuba's leaders have said not to expect political reform.
    — Matt Gutman, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of enacted
Adjective
  • The subdued crowd in Chavez Ravine was often drowned out by the paltry number of Brewers fans in attendance.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The shoes served as a warm and subdued complement to the bright color of her dress, and still stood out with a sharp toe and stiletto heel.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly downplayed settler violence, tried to cast doubt on the attack.
    — Dana Karni, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The president downplayed the criticism within his party over the agreement, which would supply the United States and global marketplaces with diesel equivalent to only a little more than one day of global demand.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of downplayed
Verb
  • Prosecutors claimed Davis acted out of revenge for Shakur and his crew previously beating on Orlando Anderson, Davis’ nephew.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Some of the stories are just spoken matter-of-factly, while others are acted out with Jaku doing all the voices.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of acted out
Adjective
  • The sheer black fabric included embroidered botanical elements, adding a touch of whimsy to the restrained look.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Either way, Rahimi balances the character’s clear vulnerability with just enough ambiguity about his plans for the school, accentuated through Majidi’s restrained and naturalistic approach.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of restrained

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Cite this Entry

“Underplayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underplayed. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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