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
In addition, Imagineers have played up the gold element of the ride, which originally opened at Walt Disney World in 1980.
—
Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
The report names lilac as a versatile color that can be played up for a punchy, trend-forward look or washed down for a vintage aesthetic.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
For years Tyran played up a grade or two.
—Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
But Jokic hasn’t played up to that caliber through three games of this series, which is a major reason that Minnesota holds a 2-1 advantage heading into Saturday’s Game 4.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
The United States Football League's Oklahoma Outlaws, featuring quarterback Doug Williams, played up the road in Tulsa in 1984.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
When Stearns first took over the team, coverage played up his New York roots.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Without acknowledging Pritzker’s substantial financial support in the primary, Stratton’s campaign sent an email to donors Thursday that played up Tracy’s early fundraising edge.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Well, for one thing, the backlash was played up.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
The report names lilac as a versatile color that can be played up for a punchy, trend-forward look or washed down for a vintage aesthetic.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
For years Tyran played up a grade or two.
—Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
But Jokic hasn’t played up to that caliber through three games of this series, which is a major reason that Minnesota holds a 2-1 advantage heading into Saturday’s Game 4.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
The United States Football League's Oklahoma Outlaws, featuring quarterback Doug Williams, played up the road in Tulsa in 1984.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
When Stearns first took over the team, coverage played up his New York roots.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Without acknowledging Pritzker’s substantial financial support in the primary, Stratton’s campaign sent an email to donors Thursday that played up Tracy’s early fundraising edge.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Well, for one thing, the backlash was played up.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played up
Verb
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The evening will be highlighted by a state dinner featuring notable guests and much pomp and circumstance.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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During the city’s bid process, leaders highlighted the museum alongside the National World War I Museum and Memorial as a key cultural attraction for international visitors.—
Taylor Haught,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Justice Brett Kavanaugh emphasized that a major purpose of the federal law is to provide uniformity.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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Friends Remember Ernie Dosio as a Charitable Man Friends and colleagues have emphasized Dosio’s generosity and character, describing him as someone who gave back quietly and consistently.—
Ryan Brennan
April 28,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Like his older siblings, Beau said his father always stressed the importance of caring for the environment and having a strong work ethic.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
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The hospital stressed that the patient is asymptomatic and that the testing is a precaution.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Wednesday’s second inning featured some tough breaks.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
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The casting featured a deep roster of models, from elders to adorable kids, many the children of staffers.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Played up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20up. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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