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

But by excluding open-source models, the administration highlighted a stark divide in the tech industry about what models are the safest and most capable.

— Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
On Tuesday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass penned a letter to company shareholders hoping to highlight the negative impacts that residents have had to deal with in the wake of the fire.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

Iranian officials have nevertheless stressed that any agreement would not necessarily mean the waterway would immediately reopen.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Ultimately, Hansberger stresses that the crucial choice is designing AI to maximize human cognition, not replace it.

— John Werner, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of stress

Verb

The Overlook at Garson will be a mixed-use community developed by Pennrose and Radiant Development Partners, featuring efficiency, one- and two-bedroom homes designated as Low-Income Housing Tax Credit units.

— Elijah Megginson, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Other sections feature views of the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026