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
Viral memes and TikTok trends play up women’s purportedly excessive spike in libido during ovulation and dramatic irrationality during menstruation and the luteal phase (the 14 days or so between ovulation and menstruation).
—
Andréa Becker, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
In addition, Imagineers have played up the gold element of the ride, which originally opened at Walt Disney World in 1980.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
The report names lilac as a versatile color that can be played up for a punchy, trend-forward look or washed down for a vintage aesthetic.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
What’s the harm in asking, or playing up the theatrics?
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Andréa Becker, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
In addition, Imagineers have played up the gold element of the ride, which originally opened at Walt Disney World in 1980.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
The report names lilac as a versatile color that can be played up for a punchy, trend-forward look or washed down for a vintage aesthetic.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
What’s the harm in asking, or playing up the theatrics?
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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Importantly, Sorbara highlighted FANG's decision to remove its formal target of returning 50% of free cash flow to shareholders starting next quarter, giving the company more flexibility to use excess cash in the current oil price environment.—
TipRanks.com Staff,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
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Costa Mesa outdistanced Westlake by 53 points to claim its first section crown and highlight a record-setting second day of the section championships.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Since becoming commissioner himself, Richards has been keen to emphasize his desire to partner with Rikers staff and unions.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
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This accolade further emphasizes the booming super premium Irish whiskey sector, as The Donn surpassed renowned Scottish and Japanese competitors.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
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Health officials have stressed that the risk to the global population and to the residents of Tenerife, off the coast of western Africa, is low.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
10 May 2026
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With the rise of hybrid work and the looming pressures of AI, employees are feeling more isolated and stressed than ever.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
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In another video, Hough was seen wearing a bikini featuring a nude triangle top and black bikini bottoms while jumping on a trampoline surrounded be palm trees.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
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Clark’s most consequential plate appearance actually featured no contact.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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