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

Designed to be played up or down with texture borne of your individual air dry, the lazy bob should require little to no effort—or at least look that way. —Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 16 June 2026

This blunt cut by stylist Shaylee Blatz plays up thickness but doesn't look weighed down. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026

Among the Hawks’ 53 losses were games in which Blashill’s players didn’t play up to their talent. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

Speaking of screentime, the four-cell battery can play up to 22 hours of local video, so check the box on power efficiency. —Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 11 June 2026