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 There’s none of the sultriness of contrast played up by Gérôme for mystique, and also no timeless air. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 Dolan in her own statement played up the virtues of a home entertainment release. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 While Robinson's defense played up the fact the ATF was unable to conclusively match the bullet that killed Kirk to the Mauser, analysts couldn't rule it out either. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026 The best scene is likely when the swarm of rats first comes to town, played up for maximum creepiness. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026 Cameron Lancaster played up front with Harry Kane for Tottenham’s academy from the age of 11 and made his Premier League debut before him. — Cameron Lancaster, New York Times, 17 June 2026 Designed to be played up or down with texture borne of your individual air dry, the lazy bob should require little to no effort—or at least look that way. — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 16 June 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played up
  1. highlighted
  2. emphasized
  3. stressed
  4. featured
Verb
  • During a Saturday panel at San Diego Comic-Con, AMC+ and Crave debuted a new trailer that highlighted a wickedly dark and feminist slant to the tale of the Slavic witch Baba Yaga.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 25 July 2026
  • As for her favorite spot in her home, the star highlighted one of her outdoor spaces as her go-to escape.
    — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
Definition of highlighted
Verb
  • Presenters emphasized that no single HBCU can build the field’s future alone.
    — Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • The footage at the panel emphasized Doctor Doom’s relationship with the Fantastic Four.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
Definition of emphasized
Verb
  • Mason stressed that submitting music in Asian Pop does not exclude an artist from also being considered in the more coveted general categories such as Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026
  • But Donovan stressed that a lot can change in a five-year period, and perhaps the technology will exist that makes a turf field more appealing.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
Definition of stressed
Verb
  • The eatery was even named the best restaurant in North Carolina featured on the show by Tasting Table earlier this year.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • The bottles featured on its site use what appears to be the same font, colors and design as Kawa's company.
    — Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 30 July 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 1 Aug. 2026.

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