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

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

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