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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of play up
At Anfield, both wingers began the game, with Gordon playing up front as Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa sat on the substitutes’ bench.
—
James Pearce, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Next-generation geothermal developers are staying the course but playing up the industry’s crossovers with oil and gas.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Jan. 2026
Sherwood can play up and down the Sharks’ lineup and contribute on the power play and penalty kill.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
In the debate, both Crockett and Talarico played up their ties to labor, calling unions essential to protecting workers from corporate abuses, job losses and rising costs.
—Gromer Jeffers Jr, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
James Pearce, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Next-generation geothermal developers are staying the course but playing up the industry’s crossovers with oil and gas.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Jan. 2026
Sherwood can play up and down the Sharks’ lineup and contribute on the power play and penalty kill.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
In the debate, both Crockett and Talarico played up their ties to labor, calling unions essential to protecting workers from corporate abuses, job losses and rising costs.
—Gromer Jeffers Jr, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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Daryanani highlighted that despite ongoing weakness in the Gaming category, revenues from the other five categories of App Store revenue grew by double digits, led by Music (up 21%), Other (21%), Photo and Video (18%), Social Networking (11%) and Entertainment (10%).—
TipRanks,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
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This week's quiz highlights leading ladies, music milestones and much more.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The new food pyramid emphasizes full-fat dairy, Mokari said.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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The researchers emphasize that the system is designed to detect mechanical stress only.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Williams and Murphy will stress rookie left guard Jared Wilson for most of the game in pass protection, while fellow rookie Will Campbell should have his hands full with edge rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and Uchenna Nwosu.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
8 Feb. 2026
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Plants that are already stressed indoors or grown in overcrowded conditions with poor airflow are more likely to develop fungal issues, like damping off or plant edema (lesions on the underside of leaves).—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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From brushing ice in curling to flying down an ice track headfirst in skeleton, the Winter Olympics are home to some unique and exciting sports that feature uncommon vernacular.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
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That panel featured star and executive producer Farrell in a chat moderated by his best friend and new Sugar co-star Shea Whigham.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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