Synonyms of plays up

plays up

verb

present tense third-person singular of play up

as in emphasizes

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

• emphasizes
• highlights
• features
• stresses
• points (up)
• identifies
• bears down on
• accents
• punctuates
• accentuates
• focuses
• illuminates
• makes much of
• foregrounds
• presses
• promotes
• pinpoints
• spotlights
• advertises
• plugs
• publicizes
• boosts
• overplays

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• plays down
• tones (down)
• underemphasizes
• understates
• minimizes
• de-emphasizes
• discounts
• disparages
• belittles

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of plays up

As Berenger and Rogers are drawn into an affair, Scott plays up the contrast between her wealthy Upper East Side world and his working-class life in an outer borough. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Cox, who grew up a fan of Dodgers utilityman Chris Taylor, is a primary outfielder but has impressed during his brief time at second base, making several difficult plays up the middle. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026

In advertisements, Tiffany plays up his roots on a Wisconsin dairy farm and love of the Green Bay Packers and a brandy old fashioned. — Clay Masters, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026

Keserich plays up short commute times and relative affordability when pitching the region to businesses as a vice president of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 19 June 2026

This blunt cut by stylist Shaylee Blatz plays up thickness but doesn't look weighed down. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026

This stainless steel iteration is a sleeker iteration that loses the embellishment of traditional ceramics but plays up the streamlined elegance. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 9 June 2026

Or, let air-dry with a scrunch of mousse that plays up your hair’s natural texture. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 June 2026

If Yamal plays up to his potential, La Roja could very well earn its second star above its crest. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 June 2026