as in to minimize
to reduce in apparent importance
you're at a point in your career where you can de-emphasize your academic record and emphasize your work experience
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Recent Examples of de-emphasize
But she was frustrated by the gallery’s refusal to show her drawings, which would have de-emphasized her image as a sculptor.
—
Hilarie M. Sheets, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S is the second-straight generation of Xbox hardware with falling sales, according to analysts, and the company’s leadership has de-emphasized its consoles in favor of promoting a message that gamers can play Xbox games on phones, smart TVs, VR headsets and other hardware.
—Kif Leswing, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
Society has to encourage learning alongside and after formal education, de-emphasize risks of embarrassment, and celebrate the joy that comes with being seen and understood.
—Olivia Antigua, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
On a Tuesday earnings call, CEO Ashley Buchanan said the company has fallen short in recent years by focusing too much on new categories and de-emphasizing core products such as fine jewelry, petite clothing and proprietary brands.
—Russell Leung, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Hilarie M. Sheets, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S is the second-straight generation of Xbox hardware with falling sales, according to analysts, and the company’s leadership has de-emphasized its consoles in favor of promoting a message that gamers can play Xbox games on phones, smart TVs, VR headsets and other hardware.
—Kif Leswing, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
Society has to encourage learning alongside and after formal education, de-emphasize risks of embarrassment, and celebrate the joy that comes with being seen and understood.
—Olivia Antigua, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
On a Tuesday earnings call, CEO Ashley Buchanan said the company has fallen short in recent years by focusing too much on new categories and de-emphasizing core products such as fine jewelry, petite clothing and proprietary brands.
—Russell Leung, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-emphasize
Verb
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Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2025
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While not always the case, most stairwells are located in the center of a building, away from windows and exterior walls, which can help minimize damage from weather events.—
Maddie Topliff,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 June 2025
Verb
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In high-stakes projects, leaders may downplay their employees’ efforts and exaggerate their mistakes.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Both players downplayed the skirmish after the game.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Congressional Republicans, many of whom had also grown annoyed with Musk over the last few months, have largely dismissed the billionaire’s fiery opposition to the bill.—
Phil Mattingly,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
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For example, recent reports about the potential for automotive production to be curtailed due to rare earth mineral shortages should not be dismissed.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
6 June 2025
Verb
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In 2024, Paul Weiss didn’t soft-pedal its liberal leanings.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2025
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Goldberg Tuesday scoffed at the denials and efforts to soft-pedal the extent and potential danger of the breach.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-emphasize. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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