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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 fourth member of the household is Terry’s lurking aide, an androgynous aesthete named Steven (theater producer Jordan Roth, playing up the character’s feline strangeness). — Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 One option would be Mateo Silvetti as center forward, or perhaps Messi could play up front flanked by Silvetti and Daniel Pinter or Preston Plambeck. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026 Back in Arsenal colours, playing in the midfield trio which included Myles Lewis-Skelly and Havertz, Nwaneri was the one to find pockets of space to help Arsenal progress play up the pitch. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 The biggest obstacle is going to be ocean gusts that in my experience, played up to three clubs. — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for play up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up

Verb

During those past two seasons, Madrid have failed to win any major title and an increasing number of voices within the club have highlighted the need to sign a player capable of dominating the centre of the park.

— Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Williamson said protection of county waterways is a major pillar of his campaign, highlighting the dangers of chemical sprays meant to control plants that end up damaging the ecosystem.

— James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

Experts in public health and pregnancy care emphasize that the benefits that the Covid-19 vaccine offers pregnant moms — and their babies — significantly outweigh any risk.

— Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Friar emphasized revenue growth and said that the company is adjusting to a change in customer behavior.

— Kate Rooney, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of emphasize

Verb

On Sunday, Beshear stressed that McConnell must do more to assure Kentuckians of his ability to carry out the role as senator.

— Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Turkey has stressed that the agreement is defensive and does not identify Iran or any other country as an enemy.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of stress

Verb

Located in downtown Las Cruces, this hotel features 203 guest rooms—some offering city or mountain views—adorned in rustic Spanish Colonial decor and local artwork.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026
Stewart stayed strong on her go-to outfit formula in a black Dickies jacket, vintage tee, silk shorts, and Converse high-top sneakers, with the bomber jacket also featuring a red pocket accent.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2026