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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of played up And the Dolphins’ veteran tackles haven’t played up to expectations this season. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 But with her Monday night looks, Pugh seemingly played up sartorial symbolism. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026 In one of two brief speaking appearances during the hearing, Paramount lawyer Joshua Holian played up the value of Miramax, citing Scary Movie‘s nine-figure haul at the box office this year. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026 Cassavetes played up the conflicting feelings on set and exacerbated them by giving Rowlands and Cassel contradictory directions that constantly set the actors against each other. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2026 Paye’s pocket-pushing and motor really played up in these situations. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 16 Sep. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played up
  1. highlighted
  2. emphasized
  3. stressed
  4. featured
Verb
  • Miller has highlighted Poindexter's past arrests for drug possession and assault in a September campaign ad.
    — Lara Korte The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Now those votes are being highlighted in campaign ads across the country, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from AdImpact, which charts media spending.
    — Kevin Freking, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of highlighted
Verb
  • Amy Guerrero, a Filipino American activist and teacher in Norwalk who previously taught in Bridgeport, emphasized the importance of solidarity across racial and cultural groups.
    — Reginald David, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Unlike past rallies, Edly-Allen said Indivisible Northeast Lake County emphasized the nonpartisan flavor of Saturday’s event.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of emphasized
Verb
  • Despite increasingly sophisticated tools, the panelists stressed that technology alone will not secure a career.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The vibe is undeniably family-focused, and the place is full of parents who don’t look remotely stressed because the kids are having a wonderful time.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of stressed
Verb
  • Our tester featured available comforts such as premium audio, a surround-view camera system, and optional carbon bucket seats.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The event featured high-flying stunts, air-pumping cold thrusters, and a driverless demonstration that looked straight out of a sci-fi movie.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of featured

Browse Nearby Words

played out
played up
played (upon)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Played up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20up. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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