deemphasises
Makes less important
Deemphasises is the British spelling of deemphasizes—to reduce the importance or prominence given to something: The new curriculum deemphasises rote memorization in favor of critical thinking.
The word suggests a deliberate shift in priority rather than complete removal.
Reduce to smallest extent
- understateExpress with restraint
- play downDiminish perceived significance
- soft-pedalDiminish stated significance
- underplayMinimize emphasis or expression
gloss over · tone down · background · sideline · subordinate · relegate · marginalize · brush aside
Make smaller in degree
scale back · pare down · attenuate · abate · mitigate · weaken · dilute · downsize
minimize
Reduce to smallest extent
- understateExpress with restraint
- play downDiminish perceived significance
- soft-pedalDiminish stated significance
underplay · gloss over · tone down · background · sideline · subordinate · relegate · marginalize · brush aside · pass over
reduce
Make smaller in degree
curtail · scale back · pare down · attenuate · abate · mitigate · weaken · dilute · downsize · trim
trivialize
Make light of
- dismissSend away or reject
- discreditHarm another's reputation
- depreciateLose value over time
devalue · disparage · denigrate · undermine · slight · disregard · discount · pooh-pooh · make light of · wave off
deemphasisesemphasises
Gives special importance to
stresses · highlights · accentuates · underscores · foregrounds