To downplay something is to make it seem less important, or to make it less serious. When the media downplays the importance of a crime, they are trying to make the public feel safer.
The police downplayed the importance of the crime, saying that it wasn't a big deal.
The teacher downplayed the importance of the test, saying that everyone would pass.
verb
To de-emphasize; to present or portray as less important or consequential.
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The people downplayed on the piece of art.
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I'm not trying to downplay the importance of the Wcc.
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That's not to downplay the one sidedness of the findings of fact.
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They merely downplay the disadvantages of the current name.
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Also, the article seems to downplay the success of the Lrt.
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As the series goes on, his chauvinistic attitude is downplayed.
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I want Korea to downplay the negative and accentuate the positive.
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Second other parts of the article downplay problems in the JW's.
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Shell is said to have downplayed the severity of the oil spill.
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I don't wish to downplay the bravery and commitment of the Poles.