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
Nobile played up his role, earning a promotion from Mussolini and a meeting with President Calvin Coolidge.
—
Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 12 May 2026
Since then, showrunner Tim Minear and the rest of the writers have played up the actors' natural chemistry, playing into both the characters' bickering dynamic and their willingness to do anything, including risking their lives, for one another.
—Sabienna Bowman, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
In addition, Imagineers have played up the gold element of the ride, which originally opened at Walt Disney World in 1980.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
The report names lilac as a versatile color that can be played up for a punchy, trend-forward look or washed down for a vintage aesthetic.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
For years Tyran played up a grade or two.
—Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
But Jokic hasn’t played up to that caliber through three games of this series, which is a major reason that Minnesota holds a 2-1 advantage heading into Saturday’s Game 4.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
The United States Football League's Oklahoma Outlaws, featuring quarterback Doug Williams, played up the road in Tulsa in 1984.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
When Stearns first took over the team, coverage played up his New York roots.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 12 May 2026
Since then, showrunner Tim Minear and the rest of the writers have played up the actors' natural chemistry, playing into both the characters' bickering dynamic and their willingness to do anything, including risking their lives, for one another.
—Sabienna Bowman, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
In addition, Imagineers have played up the gold element of the ride, which originally opened at Walt Disney World in 1980.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
The report names lilac as a versatile color that can be played up for a punchy, trend-forward look or washed down for a vintage aesthetic.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
For years Tyran played up a grade or two.
—Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
But Jokic hasn’t played up to that caliber through three games of this series, which is a major reason that Minnesota holds a 2-1 advantage heading into Saturday’s Game 4.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
The United States Football League's Oklahoma Outlaws, featuring quarterback Doug Williams, played up the road in Tulsa in 1984.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
When Stearns first took over the team, coverage played up his New York roots.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played up
Verb
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The recent drone attacks on nuclear facilities in the Russia-Ukraine war and the attack on a nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, have highlighted the seriousness of these attacks.—
Abhishek Bhardwaj,
Interesting Engineering,
19 May 2026
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In its 2025 report on the 25 Best Countries for Expats, global expat community InterNations highlighted the destinations where international residents feel most satisfied, secure, and welcome.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
19 May 2026
Verb
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The overall effect was magical; the pristine white of the orbs and the robed created a sheer background that further emphasized the already bright spectacle of the dancing, leaping players and the beasts alongside them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
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In discussing his strategic priorities, England emphasized that the next phase for Target involves leveraging technology, specifically AI and automation, and modernizing how products are planned, moved and delivered.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Council President Joe LaCava, who praised the revisions Wednesday, stressed that the new revenue the mayor relies on veers from the city’s recent practice of raising fees on residents — like trash fees or paid parking in Balboa Park.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
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Victor officials have also stressed that this type of infrastructure crisis is not unique to one small Colorado city.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Verb
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The Pinstripe Bowl between Penn State and Clemson featured teams that opened the year with national championship aspirations but combined for 13 regular-season victories.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Played up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20up. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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