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

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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 Prior to the new eligibility model, football players could play up to four regular-season games and still preserve a year of eligibility. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026 Under the old system, football players could play up to four regular seasons plus postseason games in a redshirt year without the season counting against the four-season cap. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 July 2026 Every team wants position players who are athletic, project to play up the middle, excel on defense and more. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 July 2026 Dolan in her own statement played up the virtues of a home entertainment release. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for play up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up

Verb

Raftelis highlighted the November caseload for one probation officer who had a total of 753 cases under their supervision.

— Nathan Pilling July 15, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
The complaint specifically highlights Barros’ current role leading the MCCA — a quasi–state entity in which DCAMM officials sit on its Board of Directors.

— Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 15 July 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

This is why your manager at work always looks so stressed out.

— Brian Grubb, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Officials from both companies stressed that the successful demonstration highlights the value of open-architecture systems that allow advanced autonomy software to work seamlessly with electronic warfare platforms.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026