Synonyms of played up

played up

verb

past tense of play up

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• highlighted
• emphasized
• stressed
• featured
• pointed (up)
• punctuated
• identified
• accented
• bore down on
• accentuated
• made much of
• illuminated
• focused
• foregrounded
• pressed
• promoted
• advertised
• publicized
• pinpointed
• plugged
• spotlighted
• boosted
• overplayed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• played down
• toned (down)
• understated
• minimized
• discounted
• underemphasized
• de-emphasized
• belittled
• disparaged

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of played up

There’s none of the sultriness of contrast played up by Gérôme for mystique, and also no timeless air. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Dolan in her own statement played up the virtues of a home entertainment release. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

While Robinson's defense played up the fact the ATF was unable to conclusively match the bullet that killed Kirk to the Mauser, analysts couldn't rule it out either. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

The best scene is likely when the swarm of rats first comes to town, played up for maximum creepiness. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026

Cameron Lancaster played up front with Harry Kane for Tottenham’s academy from the age of 11 and made his Premier League debut before him. — Cameron Lancaster, New York Times, 17 June 2026

Designed to be played up or down with texture borne of your individual air dry, the lazy bob should require little to no effort—or at least look that way. — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 16 June 2026

On one, Wembanyama played up on Towns at the 3-point line, and Towns found a cutting Mikal Bridges for a lay-up. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026

Becerra’s rivals played up his connection to a corruption case involving a former aide and advisor, though the former attorney general has not been accused of wrongdoing. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026