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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Recent Examples of play up
However, my preferred styling is to play up the sneakers's casual nature with understated bottoms, such as long Bermuda shorts or loose-fitting jeans.
—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
21 June 2026
Tani Oluwaseyi and Liam Millar are out of the starting lineup, replaced by Cyle Larin, who will play up front, and Ali Ahmed.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Sound can also be manually configured to only play up front, if, say, someone was sleeping in the back, or only in the rear, if someone’s watching a movie that the driver doesn’t need to hear.
—
Tim Stevens,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
Keserich plays up short commute times and relative affordability when pitching the region to businesses as a vice president of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance.
—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
21 June 2026
Tani Oluwaseyi and Liam Millar are out of the starting lineup, replaced by Cyle Larin, who will play up front, and Ali Ahmed.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Sound can also be manually configured to only play up front, if, say, someone was sleeping in the back, or only in the rear, if someone’s watching a movie that the driver doesn’t need to hear.
—
Tim Stevens,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
Keserich plays up short commute times and relative affordability when pitching the region to businesses as a vice president of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance.
—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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The report's authors said the case highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation after any direct contact with a bat, even if there is no visible bite or scratch.
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Adou Thiero highlight the Lakers summer league roster that was announced Wednesday.
Verb
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While the community effort is significant, volunteers emphasized that more specialized support is required to address the scale of the crisis.
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Reynolds instead emphasizes that Puritans (and Quakers) framed the earliest antislavery arguments in the English-speaking world.
Verb
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As in previous days, officials stressed that time is running out for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
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Officials stress that there is no public safety threat, but a heavy police presence remains in the area.
Verb
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The two-story space features professional recording studios, podcast and video suites, co-working lounges and meeting spaces, which are slated to open by early next year once permits are approved, Ihm says.
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Chevrolet's 2027 Silverado will feature two new small-block V8 engine options.
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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