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
Is your team playing up to its potential?
—
Zack Meisel, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Davy made sure to play up the contrast in this Cassie look, too.
—Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
The guard can play up to 12 regular-season games this season while on a development contract.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
Rose said Ye bought into her flattery and liked the idea of drinking booze and playing up his bigshot status.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Zack Meisel, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Davy made sure to play up the contrast in this Cassie look, too.
—Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
The guard can play up to 12 regular-season games this season while on a development contract.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
Rose said Ye bought into her flattery and liked the idea of drinking booze and playing up his bigshot status.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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The recent debate over the Broward County surrogacy case highlights a crucial moment in Florida’s fight to protect preborn children.—
Kimberly Bird,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
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Industry groups also highlighted concerns around bills that did not pass, despite being beneficial to businesses in the state.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Since becoming commissioner himself, Richards has been keen to emphasize his desire to partner with Rikers staff and unions.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
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This accolade further emphasizes the booming super premium Irish whiskey sector, as The Donn surpassed renowned Scottish and Japanese competitors.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
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Health officials have stressed that the risk to the global population and to the residents of Tenerife, off the coast of western Africa, is low.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
10 May 2026
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With the rise of hybrid work and the looming pressures of AI, employees are feeling more isolated and stressed than ever.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
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Trump’s meetings with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, began at the Great Hall of the People moments after a welcome ceremony that seemed to impress the president, featuring a Chinese military honor guard and a greeting from excited schoolchildren.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
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But Thompson’s future calling will feature a different kind of drilling — teeth, not volleyballs.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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