as in highlighted
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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Recent Examples of played up
Well, for one thing, the backlash was played up.
—
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
In their New York home, Tina and Joe have played up the charming historical details of their pre-war apartment like original molding and uneven walls.
—Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
The City manager made several bold tactical changes for the first leg at the Bernabeu, returning Nico O’Reilly to left-back and starting both Jeremy Doku and Savinho on the wings, as well as Antoine Semenyo, who played up front alongside Erling Haaland.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Following a devastating turn on The Wire, Jordan played up the drama on the ABC soap opera All My Children.
—Ken Simmons, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Natasha Zinko played up the fades of men’s blue jeans.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2026
Roy Nwaisser, who chairs the Encino Neighborhood Council’s public safety committee, said that Flock often played up the shortage of police officers during its presentations to residents in his neighborhood.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
This film adaptation cut out the second half of the book, downplayed the violence committed by Olivier’s character, Heathcliff, and played up the romance between Heathcliff and Oberon’s character, Cathy.
—Becky Little, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Other commercials played up the surreal.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
In their New York home, Tina and Joe have played up the charming historical details of their pre-war apartment like original molding and uneven walls.
—Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
The City manager made several bold tactical changes for the first leg at the Bernabeu, returning Nico O’Reilly to left-back and starting both Jeremy Doku and Savinho on the wings, as well as Antoine Semenyo, who played up front alongside Erling Haaland.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Following a devastating turn on The Wire, Jordan played up the drama on the ABC soap opera All My Children.
—Ken Simmons, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Natasha Zinko played up the fades of men’s blue jeans.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2026
Roy Nwaisser, who chairs the Encino Neighborhood Council’s public safety committee, said that Flock often played up the shortage of police officers during its presentations to residents in his neighborhood.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
This film adaptation cut out the second half of the book, downplayed the violence committed by Olivier’s character, Heathcliff, and played up the romance between Heathcliff and Oberon’s character, Cathy.
—Becky Little, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Other commercials played up the surreal.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played up
Verb
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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan highlighted efforts to expand childcare capacity through community workforce programs.—
Steve Large,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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At the time, viewers were unhappy with the lack of racial inclusivity and the economic privilege that was highlighted in the show that aired for five years.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Wenski emphasized that the pope's role is not to seek approval, but to remain committed to his faith and message.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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Arick Fudali, another of Drewes' attorneys, also emphasized the need for accountability.—
Emily Chang,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Gonzalez stressed that gang takedown operations have helped drive down the number of shootings in Brooklyn to record lows, noting that 17 of the 36 people indicted were taken into custody before the takedown operation began.—
John Annese,
New York Daily News,
15 Apr. 2026
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Pope Francis always stressed that the church was not a building or a symbol but the actual teachings of Jesus.—
Martin Scorsese,
Time,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Other important ceremonial garments are also on display, including the Queen’s wedding dress, from 1947, another Hartnell creation that incorporated not just the white rose of the House of York but also featured orange blossoms, a symbol of fertility.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
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Senior catcher Olivia Picciola promptly drilled a two-run double for Lockport, creating a 6-6 tie in a game that featured four ties and four lead changes.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Played up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20up. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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