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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

Salah could also play up top though Hugo Ekitike is currently the preferred option there.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 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

The Rams made no changes in the group from 2024, and they are confident that the late-season addition Forbes will play up to his potential as a former first-round draft pick.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2025

Even the doctors and nurses play up to this: a donor on a fourth will go in for a check and be greeted by whitecoats smiling and shaking their hand.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro