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
Xi played up a message that world is in a state of flux and chaos, and China is the responsible, stable power to guide it into the future.
—
Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Though the team is loaded with talent on the offensive side of the ball, the defense has not played up to par.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Lynch, the women’s intercontinental champion and one of the top heels on the RAW roster, played up her villainous role to the crowd.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2025
In the 50 Shades films, her blankness gave Anastasia Steele a naïveté that could be played up or down depending on the game of the scene.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
In a Monday night game at Elland Road, a long ball was played up to Rodney Wallace on the edge of the box.
—Max Mathews, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
The Vera Institute's advocacy arm Vera Action, for example, assessed that the the GOP spent more than $1 billion attacking Democrats on crime and immigration in 2024, while Democrats spent roughly $319 million on advertisements that played up their public safety records.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Though the team is loaded with talent on the offensive side of the ball, the defense has not played up to par.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Lynch, the women’s intercontinental champion and one of the top heels on the RAW roster, played up her villainous role to the crowd.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2025
In the 50 Shades films, her blankness gave Anastasia Steele a naïveté that could be played up or down depending on the game of the scene.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
In a Monday night game at Elland Road, a long ball was played up to Rodney Wallace on the edge of the box.
—Max Mathews, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
The Vera Institute's advocacy arm Vera Action, for example, assessed that the the GOP spent more than $1 billion attacking Democrats on crime and immigration in 2024, while Democrats spent roughly $319 million on advertisements that played up their public safety records.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played up
Verb
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The scene was highlighted by the rare format of Mahomes and Kelce taking questions at the same time.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
4 Sep. 2025
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With the place and functionality that our phones are taking, bags [have] become another kind of companion and deserve to be highlighted.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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And although Signature Healthcare has fewer patients, Abernathy also emphasized that the physicians work hard, which is a common misconception about concierge doctors.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Sep. 2025
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The ruling emphasized that the case did not involve constitutional issues, but rather stemmed from the contractual agreements between the EPA and the nonprofits.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Gasly has regularly stressed his faith in Alpine this season despite its lack of performance on the track, recognizing the long-term vision in place.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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In Maine, the state CDC reported there have been 28 cases of TB this year through the end of July, according to the Herald, but stressed there is no outbreak.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Miami event featured teen’s work For Zaldivar, this weekend’s historic sainthood ceremony strikes a personal chord.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
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David Alaba is experienced playing in midfield and featured there in the pre-season friendlies against Leganes (behind closed doors) and WSG Tirol, but at age 33, his role in Alonso’s group is not at all clear for this season.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Played up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20up. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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