Definitions

play up

VERB

emphasize

Synonyms

STRONGEST

point up

WEAK

accentuate bring to the fore call attention to feature highlight italicize magnify make a production of stress turn spotlight on underline underscore

Antonyms

WEAK

deemphasize play down underrate undervalue

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet that only encourages players to play up for the cameras to make sure they get the decision they want.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Coach JJ Redick set the play up to miss it to the right side because that was supposed to be the side with just one defender.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

“It’s expected that we play up the ‘Get Out’ aspect.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2026

This season there is a record seven international games across five countries and under the NFL's current Collective Bargaining Agreement, the league can play up to 10 per year.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

If he were questioned he had only to play up.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

play up

Example Sentences

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