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
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
The governor’s campaign played up her Patriots fandom this week in an email that featured a photo of the governor wearing a Drake Maye jersey.
—State House News Service, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
Quick bios have always played up Newsom’s close relationship (and business ties) with the heirs to the Getty oil fortune and links to San Francisco’s political aristocracy.
—Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
In between explaining the Capex increase, executives on Wednesday's call played up AI wins from the quarter.
—Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026
In the debate, both Crockett and Talarico played up their ties to labor, calling unions essential to protecting workers from corporate abuses, job losses and rising costs.
—Gromer Jeffers Jr, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
Netflix’s promos for Star Search have played up the fact that many of the contestants from the original went on to find success, from Brad Garrett and Ray Romano to Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2026
Blunt played up the cheeky bodycon design, wearing nothing but a completely sheer black mesh skirt over it.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
Becky Little, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Other commercials played up the surreal.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
The governor’s campaign played up her Patriots fandom this week in an email that featured a photo of the governor wearing a Drake Maye jersey.
—State House News Service, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
Quick bios have always played up Newsom’s close relationship (and business ties) with the heirs to the Getty oil fortune and links to San Francisco’s political aristocracy.
—Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
In between explaining the Capex increase, executives on Wednesday's call played up AI wins from the quarter.
—Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026
In the debate, both Crockett and Talarico played up their ties to labor, calling unions essential to protecting workers from corporate abuses, job losses and rising costs.
—Gromer Jeffers Jr, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
Netflix’s promos for Star Search have played up the fact that many of the contestants from the original went on to find success, from Brad Garrett and Ray Romano to Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2026
Blunt played up the cheeky bodycon design, wearing nothing but a completely sheer black mesh skirt over it.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played up
Verb
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The captain also highlighted Lagrange’s presence on the mound.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
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The email was highlighted in a report by The Telegraph earlier in February.—
Angeline Jane Bernabe,
ABC News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Carvalho emphasized that the cuts for the next academic year do not include classroom teachers and include no class-size increases.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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Jackson made many stops in North Carolina in the months leading up to the 1988 presidential election, delivering a number of speeches that emphasized the important role of young voters.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When snowpack runs low, the effects ripple months later — shrinking reservoirs, stressed supplies, and tougher water decisions as temperatures rise.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
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The 1% Club has leant heavily on comedian hosts around the world, with the likes of Mack, McHale and Jefferies bringing wit and banter to proceedings, although Connock stressed that new territories can think beyond comics when considering hosts.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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His firm’s work has been featured at numerous international expositions, including the French Pavilion at the Osaka Expo (World’s Fair) in 2025.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
6 Feb. 2026
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If that wasn’t enough, Schoneboom detailed a round of karaoke that featured the freshmen, who were called to perform for their teammates.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Played up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20up. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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