50 entries under moderate topic. ×

16
downplay(verb, reduce, restrain, crush)
14
minimize(verb, dismiss, restrain, diminish)
7
diminish(verb, control, reduce, restrain)
6
soft-pedal(verb, control, show, cool, restrain)
5
lessen(verb, control, reduce, restrain)
5
tone down(verb, expression, phrasal verb, control, show)
4
reduce(verb, control, cool, restrain)
4
restrain(verb, control, reduce, cool)
4
soften(verb, control, reduce, cool, restrain)
3
mitigate(verb, control, reduce, restrain)
2
abate(verb, control, reduce, restrain)
2
control(verb, reduce, cool, restrain)
2
dampen(soften, dilute)
2
modulate(verb, control, reduce, cool, restrain)
2
palliate(downplay, underplay)
2
slacken(verb, control, reduce, restrain)
2
sober(soften, dilute)
2
subdue(verb, control, cool, restrain, crush)
2
talk down(expression, restrain, minimize, understate)
2
temper(verb, control, reduce, cool, restrain)
<123>
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APASmart Define. (2015). play down thesaurus. Retrieved September 24, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/play_down/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2015. "play down thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/play_down/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 24, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2015, play down thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 24 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/play_down/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "play down thesaurus" 10 April 2015. Web. 24 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/play_down/thesaurus/synonyms>