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
In the Players Era 16 Tournament, teams could play up to three games.
—
Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
Iowa Democrats also played up the low barriers to entry for potential candidates there.
—Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
Bathrooms, stocked with Diptyque amenities, are done up in either Klein blue or blush-pink tiles and feature Hollywood-style mirrors that play up the idea that the metaphorical stage can be yours, too.
—Lindsey Tramuta, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
Much of the products are focused on the eyes, a continuation of his runway makeup that also plays up peepers, such as heavy lashes or exaggerated cat eyes.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
Iowa Democrats also played up the low barriers to entry for potential candidates there.
—Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
Bathrooms, stocked with Diptyque amenities, are done up in either Klein blue or blush-pink tiles and feature Hollywood-style mirrors that play up the idea that the metaphorical stage can be yours, too.
—Lindsey Tramuta, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
Much of the products are focused on the eyes, a continuation of his runway makeup that also plays up peepers, such as heavy lashes or exaggerated cat eyes.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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Urbon’s grand slam highlighted a five-run rally in the fourth.—
Jose de Jesus Ortiz,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
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Bibliophiles can stroll through exhibits showcasing library lore that highlights the enduring enchantment of books, along with the Book Fair offering various genres of books for sale, such as mystery, sci-fi, and romance.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Verb
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In July 2025, Hurley revealed another one of her tricks for taking the best bikini photos, emphasizing that lighting was key.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
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Cheng agreed, emphasizing the point during his opening keynote appearance, citing copyright concerns in part.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
31 May 2026
Verb
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In a public statement issued following the verdict, Sikh community organizations condemned the killing and stressed that the case should not be viewed as representative of Sikhism.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
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Tedros stressed the importance of involving the community in the outbreak response during the opening of the new treatment center on Sunday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Drinks like the Sbagliato Sbagliato feature a mix of strawberry crémant sparkling wine, French vermouth blend and French bitter apéritif blend for a strawberry twist on the classic cocktail crafted with French artisanal products—and the non-alcoholic versions are just as compelling.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
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San Antonio's roster, meanwhile, features another son of a longtime pro in Dylan Harper, whose father, Ron, won five NBA championships in the span of six seasons with Chicago and the Lakers.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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