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
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
On his Instagram page, Simonds appears to relish in playing up an overly-confident wrestler.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026
Natasha Zinko played up the fades of men’s blue jeans.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
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
On his Instagram page, Simonds appears to relish in playing up an overly-confident wrestler.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026
Natasha Zinko played up the fades of men’s blue jeans.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
-
Photos highlight artist performances, fan reactions and standout moments from the Main Stage, Worldwide Stage, Megastructure, The Cove, Live Stage, UMF Radio and Oasis, with major sets from Steve Aoki, Hardwell, Carl Cox, Armin Van Buuren and others drawing some of the day’s biggest crowds.—
Miami Herald newsroom,
Miami Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Welcome to the Friday, March 27, 2026, private school baseball and softball edition of the Fastball, a Star-Telegram series highlighting Fort Worth-area teams.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Not long after October 7th, on a Zoom call with more than a hundred influential figures in Hollywood, Brous emphasized her profound sympathy for Israelis; two board members at her synagogue had relatives in Israel who’d been killed or kidnapped by Hamas.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Writers said the article emphasized findings that were subjective and susceptible to bias.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Coach Erik Spoelstra in recent days has insisted that the Heat only can be the best version of themselves with Powell and Herro thriving as starters, stressing a commitment to such an approach, one now again derailed at least for another night.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Mar. 2026
-
At the same time, your friend appears to be stressed because of her work schedule.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.—
Lale Arikoglu,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The current race similarly features a political heavyweight, a wealthy businessman with a substantial advertising presence, and underdog candidates defying expectations about their viability.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
