as in emphasizes
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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Recent Examples of plays up
Beth Goldenberg’s costume design plays up the early 1980s and helps to define each character, such as the loud, pushy prints that Barbara wears.
—
Mary Damiano, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
For an administration that plays up the language of inclusion and liberation, the absence of Black voices raises alarm.
—Darius Jones, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
Parmesan creamed spinach is a delight and really plays up the buttery artichoke hearts.
—Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
If his bat plays up to expectations and potential, his bat could protect De La Cruz in the lineup.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Known for its organic womenswear, childrenswear and baby clothing, the lifestyle brand plays up well-being, transparency and responsible production.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
The Hunting Wives actress plays up her black fringe gown with a diamond necklace and smokey eye makeup.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Dave Franco, in glasses, plays up the grinning geek factor a bit too much.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
And though Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has struggled, interim head coach Mike McCoy, a former offensive coordinator, might have a few tricks plays up his sleeve to stave off a potential blowout.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
Mary Damiano, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
For an administration that plays up the language of inclusion and liberation, the absence of Black voices raises alarm.
—Darius Jones, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
Parmesan creamed spinach is a delight and really plays up the buttery artichoke hearts.
—Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
If his bat plays up to expectations and potential, his bat could protect De La Cruz in the lineup.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Known for its organic womenswear, childrenswear and baby clothing, the lifestyle brand plays up well-being, transparency and responsible production.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
The Hunting Wives actress plays up her black fringe gown with a diamond necklace and smokey eye makeup.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Dave Franco, in glasses, plays up the grinning geek factor a bit too much.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
And though Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has struggled, interim head coach Mike McCoy, a former offensive coordinator, might have a few tricks plays up his sleeve to stave off a potential blowout.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays up
Verb
-
Cheuk’s design practice emphasizes advanced circular fashion and sustainable production, with a major impact on Hong Kong’s fashion scene.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
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The month emphasizes spiritual devotion, charity and family gatherings, with Muslims breaking fasts in communal meals.—
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The discovery highlights the risks taken by both those seeking freedom and those who helped them.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
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Indeed, the halftime show’s setting in a sugarcane field highlights the sugar and rum production in the Caribbean, industries at the heart of the Colonial systems and slave trade that shaped our history.—
Lara N. Dotson-Renta,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The minibar is a compelling decorative touch on its own, set inside a dedicated cupboard and features an array of local, gourmet snacks, antiqued wine and cocktail glasses, and an anniversary edition of the 1935 Illy espresso machine for your morning and afternoon coffees.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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The menu features a range of options, including chicken, beef, sausage and shrimp, along with vegetarian and vegan choices such as mushrooms and tofu.—
Susan Soldavin,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Wagh stresses that the evolving market requires flexible content strategies across theatrical, streaming and emerging formats including microdramas.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
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The purchase was made to the opposition of local leaders, who worried about the infrastructure stresses on their small, 5,000-person community, as well as the safety of their residents.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plays up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20up. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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