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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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 The Blackhawks think highly of Mikheyev on the penalty kill, his ability to play up and down the lineup and his work ethic. — Scott Powers, New York Times, 30 June 2026 Rodrigues and Boqvist are versatile options who can play up or down the Panthers’ lineup but are more expendable now following Florida’s trades for Brady Tkachuk and Garnet Hathaway. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026 Ricky Saints Michael Cole kept playing up the fact that Trick Williams has never beaten Ricky Saints, which essentially telegraphed a Trick Williams win. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 However, my preferred styling is to play up the sneakers's casual nature with understated bottoms, such as long Bermuda shorts or loose-fitting jeans. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for play up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up

Verb

DyStar said recent operational shifts have led to variations in metrics, particularly for waste intensity, and have highlighted key areas for innovation and improvement.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 July 2026
While officials highlighted actions taken by the White House to support the quantum industry, there was no sense of partisan performance, the person said.

— Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

Euthanasia is not the approach NRE Tas plans to take, Thamman emphasized – but the public needs to cooperate to keep themselves and Neil safe.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Giselle Garcia, program director for NorCal Resist, said the arrest data largely tracks with the organization’s own informal counts though emphasized much enforcement goes unaccounted for if families aren’t willing to speak up.

— Mathew Miranda July 9, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of emphasize

Verb

The exhibition coincides with Oyer’s fifth portrait book release, which features selections from his extensive archive.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
The viol family included larger instruments known as viols da gamba, which were played between the legs and often featured frets similar to those found on guitars.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026