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
Other commercials played up the surreal.
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
The cuddly canines and spirited mutts making up Team Fluff and Team Ruff will battle for the coveted Lombarky Trophy, while also playing up for the cameras in hopes of finding their forever home.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2026
Eighteen months apart, the two sisters played on the same soccer team growing up, Logan playing up one year and Sammy playing up two.
—Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
The governor’s campaign played up her Patriots fandom this week in an email that featured a photo of the governor wearing a Drake Maye jersey.
—State House News Service, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
The cuddly canines and spirited mutts making up Team Fluff and Team Ruff will battle for the coveted Lombarky Trophy, while also playing up for the cameras in hopes of finding their forever home.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2026
Eighteen months apart, the two sisters played on the same soccer team growing up, Logan playing up one year and Sammy playing up two.
—Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
The governor’s campaign played up her Patriots fandom this week in an email that featured a photo of the governor wearing a Drake Maye jersey.
—State House News Service, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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Plan your Route 66 road trip The Century of Route 66 map highlights the best pit stops in each of the eight states along the highway, plus nearby Choice Hotels for a seamless travel experience.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
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At the same time, the report highlights growing concern about the impact of AI on timelines and perceptions of creativity.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As for market exuberance, Silverblatt emphasized the need for investors to be cautious and well-informed.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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Both designers emphasize that circus stripes can be calibrated to match your comfort level.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That’s a point stressed by Wendy Cukier, president of the Coalition for Gun Control.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed the deep historical ties between the US and Europe.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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An exhibit in the case features a text exchange between Freedman’s legal partner Miles Cooley and a potential plaintiff their firm apparently planned to represent against Lanng.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
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The Arlington Heights rally, sponsored by the non-profit suburban marketing group Chicago Northwest and a group of local residents and business leaders called Touchdown Arlington, is to feature local leaders calling for state lawmakers to pass the Mega Projects bill.—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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