as in to highlight
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
that TV news program plays up sensational stories just to get higher ratings
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of play up
The duo played up the utilitarian outdoor gear with nylon workwear, multipocket pants, and heavy canvas jackets.
—
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
The motel has just received a huge overhaul and now plays up its violent past with lurid delight.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 20 June 2025
Compher can play up and down a team’s top nine but established herself as a legitimate second-line scoring winger last season in Toronto.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 16 June 2025
The Canadian continued to play up to his regular season MVP status with 28 points through the first three quarters.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
The motel has just received a huge overhaul and now plays up its violent past with lurid delight.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 20 June 2025
Compher can play up and down a team’s top nine but established herself as a legitimate second-line scoring winger last season in Toronto.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 16 June 2025
The Canadian continued to play up to his regular season MVP status with 28 points through the first three quarters.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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Indi + Ash proudly manufactures in India and sees every garment as an opportunity to highlight the artistry of local craftspeople.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
7 July 2025
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The First Fridays events — held the first Friday of July, August, September and October — will highlight the others.—
Jesse Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
Verb
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That said, many policymakers have emphasized taking a wait and see approach to monetary policy in the coming months as the economic impact of government policy plays out.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Lawmakers who support using STAR bonds emphasize that taxpayers aren’t on the hook if the projects don’t make enough money to pay back the debt.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Murray stressed that rodent populations can harm humans and wildlife.—
William Tong,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
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The report stresses that this would need to be quickly explored, approved, and set in motion on an expedited basis.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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The concert also features work by Johannes Brahms and Carl Maria von Weber.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
11 July 2025
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The course features architectural inspirations from the Biarritz, Lion’s Mouth, and Redan, each scaled to perfection for short iron and wedge play.—
Jeff Goudy,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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