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
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
The imports played up to their ability.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 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
On Saturday, the Royals played up to their capabilities.
—Jaylon Thompson
may 23, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2026
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026
The imports played up to their ability.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 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
On Saturday, the Royals played up to their capabilities.
—Jaylon Thompson
may 23, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played up
Verb
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The company also highlighted gains in financial analysis.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 June 2026
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The discussion also highlighted how the city does not own data that was collected by ShotSpotter's parent company, SoundThinking, prompting concern on how to properly evaluate the system.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Verb
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Mayor Daniel Lurie emphasized its historical importance during remarks at the site.—
Maddie White,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
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Ellison and Paramount have faced significant criticism from the political left because, unlike much of Hollywood, Ellison has emphasized making entertainment designed to appeal to broad audiences.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Two characters who were stressed about keeping a secret had vocal inflections that could only be described as banal.—
Corbin Bolies,
Variety,
10 June 2026
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Lund said this came from Skarsgård being so heavily involved and stressed it is driven by his passion and devotion to the character and iconic source material.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
10 June 2026
Verb
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All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
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Westside Square, which opened in 2022, also featured live entertainment and its space was distinctive for its enclosure fashioned out of repurposed windows.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Played up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20up. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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