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
Gray and White Marble Island Bring in pale tones of peach and light blue to play up the undertones of warmer white and gray shades.
—
Lauren Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
If Yamal plays up to his potential, La Roja could very well earn its second star above its crest.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
On one, Wembanyama played up on Towns at the 3-point line, and Towns found a cutting Mikal Bridges for a lay-up.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026
The imports played up to their ability.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Lauren Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
If Yamal plays up to his potential, La Roja could very well earn its second star above its crest.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
On one, Wembanyama played up on Towns at the 3-point line, and Towns found a cutting Mikal Bridges for a lay-up.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026
The imports played up to their ability.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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The November killing of Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the popular mayor of Uruapan, Michoacan, highlighted dangers for politicians who stand up to cartels and criminal groups.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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Yosemite National Park was designated by Congress to highlight the beautiful natural and cultural features of the area.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
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The jury agreed and convicted Thomas of manslaughter instead of murder, with some jurors emphasizing the role of his addiction.—
Nicki Brown,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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Salaviza described the short form as a pure mode of expression in which authentic emotion is fundamental, while von Döhren – drawing on her parallel career as an illustrator – emphasized how effectively the format can convey feeling through storytelling.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 June 2026
Verb
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If the plant stays wilted overnight, start to check for signs of overwatering, poor drainage, or stressed roots.—
Mallory Carra,
The Spruce,
14 June 2026
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Can stress cause travel digestive issues?—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
Verb
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Prominently, Laviolette’s teams have featured defensemen who liberally join the rush and get involved in five-man cycles, concepts that were largely foreign to the Kings’ corps last season.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
11 June 2026
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All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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