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
The Cost of Disconnection Organizations that de-emphasize inclusion and connection risk significant problems.
—
Teresa Hopke, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
However, some Christians have criticized the musical for de-emphasizing the divinity of Jesus and showing Judas as a sympathetic character.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
But its muted black-and-white layout appears to be an attempt by the lawyers to de-emphasize the frenzy that has surrounded their client, said Diana Rickard, a professor who teaches criminal justice at Borough of Manhattan Community College.
—Hurubie Meko, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Since the late 1990s, most American students have been taught to read according to an approach called balanced literacy, which de-emphasizes phonics and explicit decoding in favor of fostering pleasure in reading.
—Thomas Howell, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Teresa Hopke, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
However, some Christians have criticized the musical for de-emphasizing the divinity of Jesus and showing Judas as a sympathetic character.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
But its muted black-and-white layout appears to be an attempt by the lawyers to de-emphasize the frenzy that has surrounded their client, said Diana Rickard, a professor who teaches criminal justice at Borough of Manhattan Community College.
—Hurubie Meko, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Since the late 1990s, most American students have been taught to read according to an approach called balanced literacy, which de-emphasizes phonics and explicit decoding in favor of fostering pleasure in reading.
—Thomas Howell, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Apr. 2025
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In relationships, this dynamic plays out as toxic positivity — the tendency to dismiss or minimize distress in favor of maintaining an upbeat tone.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The country subsequently downplayed the initiative, but has doubled-down on domestic tech development given U.S. restrictions in the last several years.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
18 Apr. 2025
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Kennedy downplayed diagnostic shift as a minor explanation for the increase in autism cases, but researchers have found that changes in diagnosis probably explain a majority of the increase.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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On March 4, the day the order to show cause was to be heard, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office dismissed the case.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
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Heyman dismissed fans on social media who have failed to give Rollins his flowers, saying he’s seen pro wrestlers fail in the ring and seen praise on social media for them while others spout nonsense while ignoring historical facts.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
19 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 2025.
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