Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for play up. Search instead for plays up.
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

They are aware they could play up to 65 games in all competitions this season, after winning the Club World Cup this summer.

From BBC • Nov. 7, 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

The finale is ghastly, grisly and even humorous when Madigan gets the chance to play up her character’s eccentricities to their most campy heights.

From Salon • Aug. 8, 2025

The press had good reason to play up the event.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "play up" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com