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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of play up
These Bears were physical, balanced and executed plays up and down the field.
—
Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 7 Dec. 2024
For a classic look, play up the symmetry of the porch with two identical planters of the same plants on either side of the porch.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025
In addition to that, Rodgers hasn’t played up to his usual standard.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2025
Its name, 808 Union Hills Plaza, plays up the lucky number eight in Chinese numerology.
—John Liu, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for play up 
Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 7 Dec. 2024
For a classic look, play up the symmetry of the porch with two identical planters of the same plants on either side of the porch.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025
In addition to that, Rodgers hasn’t played up to his usual standard.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2025
Its name, 808 Union Hills Plaza, plays up the lucky number eight in Chinese numerology.
—John Liu, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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What to Know Speaking on Tuesday's episode of Cafe Insider, Bharara highlighted that Merchan's decision to schedule the January 10 sentencing followed Trump's own request to delay proceedings until after November's election.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
9 Jan. 2025
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The findings highlight the urgent need to address threats to prevent further species declines and losses and could help to inform future efforts to reduce the loss of freshwater biodiversity, the researchers said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Despite the reduction in scope, Fraga acknowledged that the development would still increase traffic on the already congested Northwest 87th Avenue, but emphasized that the revised plan was the best possible outcome, reducing the number of units by more than 1,000 from the original proposal.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
16 Jan. 2025
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After buying the title off script, the Korean distributor put together a robust social media campaign that targeted young audiences while emphasizing the film’s mouth-watering content.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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According to The Los Angeles Times, officials stressed that there is no immediate danger to the Westwood campus but urged students to remain vigilant.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
13 Jan. 2025
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The Academy stresses that all dates are subject to change.—
Paul Grein,
Billboard,
13 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The photo shared from the vice president’s official social media accounts on Saturday featured the three Democrats the most prominently.—
Neil Vigdor,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2025
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The nose features fresh tropical fruits, creamy vanilla, and subtle coconut aromas.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
11 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near play up
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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