When it comes to finding synonyms for the phrase "play up," there are a few that come to mind. First, there's "exaggerate" which means to make something seem bigger or more significant than it actually is. Another option is "emphasize," which involves drawing attention to a certain aspect or element. "Highlight" is another term to consider, as it involves bringing something to the forefront or focusing on it. Finally, "amplify" is a good choice, as it means to increase the intensity or volume of something. All of these options can be useful in a variety of contexts and can help add nuance to your language.