Synonyms of play up

play up

verb

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

• highlight
• emphasize
• stress
• feature
• point (up)
• identify
• accent
• bear down on
• punctuate
• accentuate
• make much of
• focus
• illuminate
• foreground
• promote
• press
• pinpoint
• advertise
• publicize
• spotlight
• plug
• boost
• overplay

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• play down
• tone (down)
• minimize
• understate
• underemphasize
• de-emphasize
• discount
• disparage
• belittle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of play up

Paye’s pocket-pushing and motor really played up in these situations. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

The book is enlivened by Andersen’s gift for satire, which plays up the comic potential of ideological extremes. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Unsurprisingly, the Elie Saab H&M collection plays up after-dark glamour, and just in time for holiday party season, too. — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

And then there are micro-bangs, which are playing up references to Audrey Hepburn’s classic and side-swept look. — Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 3 Sep. 2026