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
That dichotomy – Bianco focusing on genuine crime and Democrats playing up their opposition to Trump’s crime and immigration tactics – is worth noting.
—
Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 29 Dec. 2025
The Panthers, in the meantime, have already shown an innate ability to play up — or down — to their level of competition.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Dec. 2025
In addition, football players can play up to four regular season games plus postseason games in a redshirt year without the season counting against the four seasons cap.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Dec. 2025
Antetokounmpo, who is currently out 2-4 weeks with a calf strain, has played up to his MVP-level self even in a down year for the Bucks.
—Tyler Erzberger, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 29 Dec. 2025
The Panthers, in the meantime, have already shown an innate ability to play up — or down — to their level of competition.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Dec. 2025
In addition, football players can play up to four regular season games plus postseason games in a redshirt year without the season counting against the four seasons cap.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Dec. 2025
Antetokounmpo, who is currently out 2-4 weeks with a calf strain, has played up to his MVP-level self even in a down year for the Bucks.
—Tyler Erzberger, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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O'Brien also highlights the importance of practicality.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
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As Su highlighted in her address, AI applications range from the lab bench to delivering healthcare, flying airplanes, to household robots, and much more.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In response, the White House is planning to adjust its messaging strategy to focus on affordability to try to win over voters who are worried about the high cost of living with plans to emphasize new tax breaks and show progress on fighting inflation.—
Michelle L. Price,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
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The Texas native explained that Cruise emphasized the physical reality of stuntwork and the importance of discipline.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Rising temperatures increase evaporation, further stressing a watershed already under pressure from growth and development.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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Researchers stress this is only an association, and the benefit may reflect overall diet patterns rather than cheese itself.—
Julia Ries Wexler,
Health,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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DroneHunter Varta features a modular design intended for use across different platforms.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
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For quick errands or working around the house, the EasySpirit Women’s Traveltime (now 35 percent off) is a sneaker-clog hybrid that features excellent cushioning and comes in a range of vibrant colors.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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