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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of play up
Sasaki turned in sharp results, and his velocity played up in his short stint as a reliever during last year’s playoff run.
—
Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
At present, Trevor Penning is atop the depth chart at left guard despite playing primarily as a left tackle in place of the injured Slater last season, one of many who tried and failed to play up to the level of Slater.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
Whereas Cheap Trick used to play up to 250 shows a year in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the band now averages about 75.
—Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Without acknowledging Pritzker’s substantial financial support in the primary, Stratton’s campaign sent an email to donors Thursday that played up Tracy’s early fundraising edge.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
At present, Trevor Penning is atop the depth chart at left guard despite playing primarily as a left tackle in place of the injured Slater last season, one of many who tried and failed to play up to the level of Slater.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
Whereas Cheap Trick used to play up to 250 shows a year in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the band now averages about 75.
—Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Without acknowledging Pritzker’s substantial financial support in the primary, Stratton’s campaign sent an email to donors Thursday that played up Tracy’s early fundraising edge.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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Nonetheless, Gutekunst highlighted McClellan’s size, length (33 7/8-inch arms), versatility across the line and pass-rushing ability as reasons the Packers distinguished him from other available defensive tackles.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Jacas specifically highlighted the players’ buy-in and how the staff challenged him physically and mentally during his time in the facility.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Large alternative asset managers, with both private credit and private equity businesses, are so far striking a measured tone, acknowledging pockets of stress while emphasizing resilience.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
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In conversations with Colman Domingo, Fuqua emphasized that Joe was also a strong, if flawed, avatar of African American fatherhood.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Anderson wasn’t really stressed out over the Hall of Fame premise, just kind of fascinated.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
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But on Saturday, with the college basketball world stressed over the transfer portal and UConn fans, in particular, waiting on similar big decisions from their own stars, Karaban was glad to know his next steps.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Winding across hills, through orchards, and surrounded by tropical flora, the layout features mountain and ocean views, notably on the 14th hole where players can marvel at whales and dolphins offshore.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
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Neither has featured this season.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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