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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of play up
As The Athletic reported last season, one source briefed on James’ thinking said he was expected to play up to two more NBA seasons, which would take him through the 2025-26 season.
—
Jovan Buha, New York Times, 2 May 2025
The actors would be walking a fine line, trading on their star power to get staffers’ attention but playing up their everyday qualities so as not to seem like elites.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
Their Modern Dandy Collection is meant to play up accessible luxury.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2025
So many war movies play up the visceral aspects of battle, emphasizing the rush at the expense of context and any human toll attached to the carnage.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Jovan Buha, New York Times, 2 May 2025
The actors would be walking a fine line, trading on their star power to get staffers’ attention but playing up their everyday qualities so as not to seem like elites.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
Their Modern Dandy Collection is meant to play up accessible luxury.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2025
So many war movies play up the visceral aspects of battle, emphasizing the rush at the expense of context and any human toll attached to the carnage.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
-
Seven years later, Meghan marked her seventh anniversary with Harry by sharing a collage of previously unseen personal photos highlighting milestones throughout their relationship, including a wedding portrait by Lubomirski.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
20 May 2025
-
Featuring a set of still life photography highlighting beach-friendly attire, the collection also includes a fringed suede tote in red that’s launching first in China.—
Denni Hu,
Footwear News,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
As the president of World-Voices Organization, Washington also emphasizes the significance of community, especially at a time when many voice actors and creatives feel isolated or vulnerable.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
Policies to incentivize capital investment in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, and grow the workforce, should be emphasized in the near term.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
On top of that, other reductions to federal programs and the possibility of a recession will stress state government during the coming fiscal year.—
David Greising,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
-
Manufacturers have stressed to the Trump administration in talks that any tariffs need to take into account the cost of running and expanding operations in the U.S., and the administration's policy may run counter to the reshoring aim.—
Lori Ann LaRocco,
CNBC,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
Since starting his rewards travel blog in 2011, his work has been featured on HuffingtonPost.com, TechCrunch.com, Hyatt.com, Yahoo Finance, and Inc.com.—
Geoff Whitmore,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
The organization partnered with Time magazine in early May to produce a special issue featuring interviews and essays examining the continuing struggle for racial justice.—
Greg Braxton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share