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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The White House emphasized incidents in Portland, home to one of the oldest organizations in the United States to carry the Antifa moniker, in its statements about the designation.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
28 Sep. 2025
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Smith had emphasized staying compact at halftime, knowing Charlotte’s defensive record was built on preventing crosses and free headers.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Officials with the organization stressed that the move is a temporary hold while the issue works its way through the courts and providers work to determine how to continue services within the current legal landscape.—
Jessie Opoien,
jsonline.com,
24 Sep. 2025
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Izquierdo, who oversaw the production of the project’s audiovisual materials, stressed the need to raise awareness of these kinds of initiatives both nationally and internationally.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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September 26, 2025 All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors.—
Mathias Rosenzweig,
Vogue,
26 Sep. 2025
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The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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