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
The duo played up the utilitarian outdoor gear with nylon workwear, multipocket pants, and heavy canvas jackets.
—
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
The motel has just received a huge overhaul and now plays up its violent past with lurid delight.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 20 June 2025
Compher can play up and down a team’s top nine but established herself as a legitimate second-line scoring winger last season in Toronto.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 16 June 2025
The Canadian continued to play up to his regular season MVP status with 28 points through the first three quarters.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
The motel has just received a huge overhaul and now plays up its violent past with lurid delight.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 20 June 2025
Compher can play up and down a team’s top nine but established herself as a legitimate second-line scoring winger last season in Toronto.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 16 June 2025
The Canadian continued to play up to his regular season MVP status with 28 points through the first three quarters.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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The controversy highlights a fundamental vulnerability in decentralized prediction markets.—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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This situation highlights the importance of staying vigilant and persistent when dealing with travel companies.—
Christopher Elliott The Travel Troubleshooter,
Sun Sentinel,
7 July 2025
Verb
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However, unlike Biden’s orders--which routinely expanded whole-of-government regulatory frameworks--Trump’s 2025 orders emphasize dismantling Biden-era rulings and forcing courts to test the limits of streamlining frameworks.—
Clyde Wayne Crews Jr,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The All-England Club Lawn Tennis Club emphasizes good sportsmanship and respect for everyone involved in the Grand Slam.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Murray stressed that rodent populations can harm humans and wildlife.—
William Tong,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
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The report stresses that this would need to be quickly explored, approved, and set in motion on an expedited basis.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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The concert also features work by Johannes Brahms and Carl Maria von Weber.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
11 July 2025
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This jar candle has a lovely fragrance reminiscent of a tropical island, featuring citrus, florals and vanilla elements.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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