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

Relevance

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 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

The philanthropist also highlighted the causes supported by the gala.

— Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 29 July 2026
Hawley, a Missouri Republican, asked a series of questions to highlight Fauci’s refusal to answer.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

The article emphasizes that true status now lies in effective recovery, transforming physical restoration into a lucrative experience and a key marketing language for brands.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, ZiaCore is designed as a factory-manufacturable microreactor that emphasizes compactness, fuel efficiency, and simplified deployment.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026

Definition of emphasize

Verb

McCarthy stressed there are tools the team can use to refine their tackling technique without driving each other into the turf.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Physicians are alarmed, stressing that FDA licensing is crucial for guiding patients, as this decision risks confusing consumers about regulated versus unregulated treatments.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of stress

Verb

Villalobos’ plan is centered around the research of Canadian educator Michael Fullan and features four phases.

— Austin Horn July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
As of Wednesday, July 29, seasonal options included lemonade sorbet, pina colada ice cream and Field of Dreams ice cream, featuring beer, butterscotch and peanuts.

— Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026