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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of play up
Following a devastating turn on The Wire, Jordan played up the drama on the ABC soap opera All My Children.
—
Ken Simmons, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Chris made a third and cleaned the play up.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
There is, however, a way to play up that default by going for a metallic that acts as a grounding neutral.
—Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
Marina and Palisades both play up-tempo, feature 3-point shooters and depth.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Ken Simmons, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Chris made a third and cleaned the play up.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
There is, however, a way to play up that default by going for a metallic that acts as a grounding neutral.
—Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
Marina and Palisades both play up-tempo, feature 3-point shooters and depth.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
-
Another heart highlighted the lasting impacts from the redlining of Troost Avenue a century ago, which long served as a dividing line of racial segregation in Kansas City.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Capricorn December 22 – January 19 The universe is highlighting home chores and other private duties.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Baugh, too, emphasized the generational divide.—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
This emphasizes the attackers more.—
PJ Green
April 5,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Harper also stressed that GPUs are interchangeable.—
April Roach,
CNBC,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The Kings came into the game stressing a good start, having been outscored 5-1 in the first period of their previous three outings, and instead face planted to spot the Maple Leafs a 2-0 lead through 20 minutes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
-
All products featured on Bon Appétit are independently selected by our editors.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
