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
Rubio has played up cooperation, including signing a civil-nuclear cooperation agreement with Malaysia, while Wang has railed against Trump’s threatened tariffs and projected China as a stable counterweight in talks with Southeast Asian counterparts on the sidelines.
—
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 July 2025
With more than 1,000 square feet of LED screens, the show will feature creative content that was developed with Gary McQueen’s oversight about Lee’s motivation, thoughts and drive for creative genius to play up his art, work and spirit.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
The trio played up the ambiguous nature of the characters' romantic relationship, but the new trailer teases much more.
—Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 24 July 2025
Choosing a contrasting grout color will play up the shape of your tile, while a monochromatic grout-tile combination creates a more seamless backdrop.
—Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 July 2025
With more than 1,000 square feet of LED screens, the show will feature creative content that was developed with Gary McQueen’s oversight about Lee’s motivation, thoughts and drive for creative genius to play up his art, work and spirit.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
The trio played up the ambiguous nature of the characters' romantic relationship, but the new trailer teases much more.
—Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 24 July 2025
Choosing a contrasting grout color will play up the shape of your tile, while a monochromatic grout-tile combination creates a more seamless backdrop.
—Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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The campaign highlights two new styles — the Eleanor Oversized Square sunglasses in a colorway exclusive to Bloomingdale’s and the Miller Metal Oval sunglasses in a colorway exclusive to Sunglass Hut and Tory Burch.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
12 Aug. 2025
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As the entertainment industry’s publication of record, Variety seeks to highlight creatives who are making waves across a spectrum of disciplines.—
Variety Staff,
Variety,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In contrast to other, more mainstream Civil Rights organizations, SNCC leaders began to emphasize Black separatism, which alienated white participants.—
Time,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
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That newest edition of the game emphasizes fun over following the rules to a T, and actual play is a great demonstration of how that looks at a game night, said Justice Arman, managing game designer of Dungeons & Dragons.—
Scott Greenstone,
NPR,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Trump, in the lead-up to his meeting with Putin, repeatedly stressed the need for an urgent, long-lasting ceasefire in the war.—
Erin Doherty,
CNBC,
17 Aug. 2025
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But after an injury-laden season, Arteta has stressed the importance of availability.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The doc, directed by Skye Borgman, features interviews with former contestants, trainers, producers and health professionals.—
Addie Morfoot,
Variety,
15 Aug. 2025
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Covering 2,530 surface acres, Lake Moomaw features 43 miles of undeveloped shoreline, which means there are plenty of places to find your own little slice of secluded heaven all up and down the lake.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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