plays up Synonyms

Strongest:

emphasize, exaggerate, overemphasize

The actor plays up his character's eccentricities for comedic effect.
The politician plays up their accomplishments to gain favor with voters.
The salesperson plays up the benefits of the product to entice potential buyers.
The musician plays up the emotional intensity of the song, captivating the audience.
The child plays up their illness to avoid going to school.
The athlete plays up their injury to gain sympathy from the referee.
The defendant's lawyer plays up their client's innocence, hoping to sway the jury.
The teacher plays up the importance of studying, encouraging students to put in their best effort.
The historian plays up the key events of the era, providing a vivid account of the past.
The narrator plays up the suspense of the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

emphasize, exaggerate, overemphasize

emphasizes,highlights, features, stresses, bears down on, punctuates, focuses, identifies, accents,points (up)

plays down, tones (down), de-emphasizes,underemphasizes, minimizes, understates, belittles,discounts, disparages

The actor plays up his character's eccentricities for comedic effect.

The politician plays up their accomplishments to gain favor with voters.

The salesperson plays up the benefits of the product to entice potential buyers.

The musician plays up the emotional intensity of the song, captivating the audience.