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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of played up
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.
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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
Speaking to students, Bell played up his bona fides as a former Southeastern Conference leader who oversaw one of the nation’s most successful athletic programs and three national championship titles.
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Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2026
Under former creative director Jonathan Anderson, the fashion brand played up that connection through numerous high-profile collaborations with artists ranging from Lynda Benglis to Richard Hawkins.
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Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
2 June 2026
Dooley played up his status as a first-time candidate and, despite Republicans controlling the House, Senate and White House, hit Collins as being part of a do-nothing government.
—
ABC News,
31 May 2026
Cathie Hong Interiors played up the yellow undertones in this pale gray sofa with orange, rust, and pink tones found in the wood coffee table, wall art, and rug.
—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
31 May 2026
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
Speaking to students, Bell played up his bona fides as a former Southeastern Conference leader who oversaw one of the nation’s most successful athletic programs and three national championship titles.
—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2026
Under former creative director Jonathan Anderson, the fashion brand played up that connection through numerous high-profile collaborations with artists ranging from Lynda Benglis to Richard Hawkins.
—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
2 June 2026
Dooley played up his status as a first-time candidate and, despite Republicans controlling the House, Senate and White House, hit Collins as being part of a do-nothing government.
—
ABC News,
31 May 2026
Cathie Hong Interiors played up the yellow undertones in this pale gray sofa with orange, rust, and pink tones found in the wood coffee table, wall art, and rug.
—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
31 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played up
Verb
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Bryson Stott's three-run homer highlighted Philadelphia's eight-run outburst in the ninth inning and the Phillies rallied to beat the Washington Nationals 14-9 on Tuesday night.
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Effects on veterans, pets Speakers also highlighted how fireworks affect veterans, people with disabilities and pets.
Verb
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Elsewhere in the conversation, Winfrey appealed to creators’ sense of responsibility and emphasized that influence carries obligations.
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Antonella Capelli, Lectra’s president for EMEA, emphasized the growing importance of trend data in a fast-changing fashion landscape shaped by global economic and consumer shifts.
Verb
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Jack Compton / Getty Images Gray also stressed the importance of keeping the locker room together despite the frustrating stretch.
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For a family already scared and stressed, that free access made a big difference.
Verb
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Anne Hathaway’s latest Instagram post featured more than just an exciting announcement.
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The song also featured heavily in the series’ promotional materials.
Cite this Entry
“Played up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20up. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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