played up

verb

past tense of play up
as in highlighted
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 played up But with her Monday night looks, Pugh seemingly played up sartorial symbolism. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026 In one of two brief speaking appearances during the hearing, Paramount lawyer Joshua Holian played up the value of Miramax, citing Scary Movie‘s nine-figure haul at the box office this year. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 24 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 Paye’s pocket-pushing and motor really played up in these situations. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Under-eye shadows, bags and lower-lid definition get played up instead of concealed. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Trump played up the industry’s potential in the days after Maduro’s capture. — Fabiola Zerpa, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026 However, Pelosi said the feud was never serious and was often played up by the press. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026 There’s a receptiveness to Helaena that at times can be really funny but also played up the tragedy of her arc this season. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played up
  1. highlighted
  2. emphasized
  3. stressed
  4. featured
Verb
  • Russian media highlighted an even broader collection of technologies, including mass drone deployments, counter-drone systems, electronic warfare, precision weapons and mobile assault units.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • But Alabama responded again with Brown's 7-yard scoring run, capping an 88-yard drive highlighted by Russell's third-down completions of 50 yards to Lotzeir Brooks and 22 yards to Coleman-Williams.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of highlighted
Verb
  • Yun also emphasized underlying factors that might keep mortgage rates elevated for homebuyers over a longer period of time.
    — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Experts stressed that not all forms of sports betting are harmful, but emphasized that motivation and frequency need to be clear, especially for young people.
    — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of emphasized
Verb
  • The official stressed that many details remained unconfirmed and urged Moscow to provide accurate information quickly.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson confidently stressed this week that sacks of opposing quarterbacks will come.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of stressed
Verb
  • Unlike Lonely People with Power, which featured Interpol’s Paul Banks and Boy Harsher’s Jae Matthews, At Work in the Fields of the Bomb doesn’t invite any guests.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The original design, which debuted during artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière’s show, featured some yellow elements throughout, including at the bust layered effect and the minimal seams just beneath the bustline.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of featured

Browse Nearby Words

played out
played up
played (upon)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Played up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20up. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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