PLAY UP Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

play up

verb

Definition of play up

as in to highlight

to indicate the importance of by centering attention on that TV news program plays up sensational stories just to get higher ratings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of play up But with her Monday night looks, Pugh seemingly played up sartorial symbolism. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026 Cassavetes played up the conflicting feelings on set and exacerbated them by giving Rowlands and Cassel contradictory directions that constantly set the actors against each other. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2026 Hair, the Never Thirsty campaign plays up the internet’s fascination with Efron’s shower habits while giving the whole thing a self-aware beauty twist. — Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026 Paye’s pocket-pushing and motor really played up in these situations. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for play up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up

Verb

With respect to the state’s cancer crisis, Hinson defended her record by highlighting her work during her three terms in Congress to boost cancer research funding for the National Institutes of Health.

— Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
Additionally, a Financial Times report highlighted growing market concerns that corporations with weaker balance sheets could face immediate debt default pressures.

— , CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

In Philadelphia, police emphasized that the false submission did not compromise department systems or interfere with homicide investigations.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
Bajaria emphasizes that the focus is on developing regional and language-specific hits and to seed franchises that keep subscribers engaged.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of emphasize

Verb

Despite the encouraging news, scientists stress that caution remains essential as the island’s fragile ecosystem faces serious environmental threats.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
The collaboration between Video Mercury Films, FlixOlé and ECAM reflects their common goal of preserving and raising the profile of Spanish films of great historical value that do not have digital copies available for distribution, López stresses.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of stress

Verb

Hazel is actually an unusual, multi-colored eye type that features a mix of brown, green, and gold or amber hues.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026
Billed as an immersive matchmaking experience and a new take on the dating show, the format features singletons who are tired of swiping and first dates and are ready to get hitched.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026