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

In one of two brief speaking appearances during the hearing, Paramount lawyer Joshua Holian played up the value of Miramax, citing Scary Movie‘s nine-figure haul at the box office this year. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026

Cassavetes played up the conflicting feelings on set and exacerbated them by giving Rowlands and Cassel contradictory directions that constantly set the actors against each other. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2026

Paye’s pocket-pushing and motor really played up in these situations. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Under-eye shadows, bags and lower-lid definition get played up instead of concealed. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Trump played up the industry’s potential in the days after Maduro’s capture. — Fabiola Zerpa, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026

However, Pelosi said the feud was never serious and was often played up by the press. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026

There’s a receptiveness to Helaena that at times can be really funny but also played up the tragedy of her arc this season. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

The biggest obstacle is going to be ocean gusts that in my experience, played up to three clubs. — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026