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
Tani Oluwaseyi and Liam Millar are out of the starting lineup, replaced by Cyle Larin, who will play up front, and Ali Ahmed.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Sound can also be manually configured to only play up front, if, say, someone was sleeping in the back, or only in the rear, if someone’s watching a movie that the driver doesn’t need to hear.
—
Tim Stevens,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
Keserich plays up short commute times and relative affordability when pitching the region to businesses as a vice president of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance.
—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
Cameron Lancaster played up front with Harry Kane for Tottenham’s academy from the age of 11 and made his Premier League debut before him.
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Cameron Lancaster,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Sound can also be manually configured to only play up front, if, say, someone was sleeping in the back, or only in the rear, if someone’s watching a movie that the driver doesn’t need to hear.
—
Tim Stevens,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
Keserich plays up short commute times and relative affordability when pitching the region to businesses as a vice president of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance.
—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
Cameron Lancaster played up front with Harry Kane for Tottenham’s academy from the age of 11 and made his Premier League debut before him.
—
Cameron Lancaster,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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The 5-star analyst highlighted that Pinterest has delivered double-digit global user growth for ten consecutive quarters, with his May data analysis indicating particular momentum in the second quarter of 2026.
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This week's quiz highlights cruise controversies, wedding whispers — and much more.
Verb
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While the community effort is significant, volunteers emphasized that more specialized support is required to address the scale of the crisis.
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Reynolds instead emphasizes that Puritans (and Quakers) framed the earliest antislavery arguments in the English-speaking world.
Verb
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As in previous days, officials stressed that time is running out for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
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Officials stress that there is no public safety threat, but a heavy police presence remains in the area.
Verb
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The relaxed style features pockets, a comfortable elastic waistband, and sustainable linen to keep you cool in the summer heat.
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The community will feature two lakes, a 50-acre city park, 156 acres of commercial development, a 55-acre business park and 206 acres for two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school in Denton ISD.
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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