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
Within that time, the company tested the Daily Edit internally and made a number of tweaks to the algorithm in an effort to play up exactly what feels important to its consumers.
—
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 22 Sep. 2025
Rodgers has played up to par, showing his usual poise while trying to find a rhythm with his receivers.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Brian Shortsleeve, a venture capitalist and former MBTA official running to challenge Healey next year, is trying to play up the results of a local survey of Republicans down the South Shore this past week.
—Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
That’s to say, Jefferson played up to the standards and expectations of a Chargers’ defense that has given up an average of 15 points per game in victories over the Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 22 Sep. 2025
Rodgers has played up to par, showing his usual poise while trying to find a rhythm with his receivers.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Brian Shortsleeve, a venture capitalist and former MBTA official running to challenge Healey next year, is trying to play up the results of a local survey of Republicans down the South Shore this past week.
—Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
That’s to say, Jefferson played up to the standards and expectations of a Chargers’ defense that has given up an average of 15 points per game in victories over the Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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The program features keynote conversations and exclusive panels with leaders across entertainment, marketing, tech, design and more, highlighting how today’s most innovative leaders are shaping the next era of brand storytelling, consumer engagement and cultural impact.—
William Earl,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
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Preceding the game will be a traditional tailgate experience and after the Sunday after the 5th quarter, a gospel brunch is scheduled, highlighting talented performers from across HBCUs.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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When making placements at the Turina James, unlike at the Civic and other CoLEAD shelters, the city is no longer emphasizing Third Avenue clients but instead people from Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.—
Ashley Hiruko,
ProPublica,
6 Oct. 2025
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The event, launched in 1982, celebrates the freedom to read and express ideas and emphasizes the importance of fighting censorship.—
Jennifer Borresen,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While there are multiple factors behind these differences, Crew stressed the need to better address these health disparities.—
Dr. Noor Shaik,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
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In order to determine if the intriguing minerals were produced by microbial metabolism or an abiotic process, samples collected by the rover would need to be delivered to Earth for further analysis, team members have stressed.—
Andrew Jones,
Space.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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His website features photos of him in military uniform, and his campaign logo features a silhouetted Chinook combat helicopter.—
Vivian Jones,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
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That’s a far cry from Adidas’ first World Cup ball in 1970, which featured the classic black-and-white color pattern with iconic hexagon shapes throughout.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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