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.

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

“We didn’t play up to par in the trenches,” Skipper said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025

"At times I think we showed that we can play up against any team in the world."

From BBC • Aug. 13, 2025

It fell to William Osula to play up front on Friday and Anthony Gordon, who is a winger by trade, is set to follow suit against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2025

The press had good reason to play up the event.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow

play up

Example Sentences

Related Words