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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of plays up
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
The director plays up the humor a lot more than Westlake’s callously cynical prose, for better or worse.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
So that mixed with the way Sean can draw these plays up?
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025
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
The director plays up the humor a lot more than Westlake’s callously cynical prose, for better or worse.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
So that mixed with the way Sean can draw these plays up?
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays up
Verb
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The renewal was announced during a panel on Wednesday at the Göteborg Film Festival‘s TV Drama Vision and emphasizes the success of the collaboration, which has already spawned 24 original series in several stages of development, production and release.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
28 Jan. 2026
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According to Fauna, Sprout’s design also emphasizes human-robot interaction.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While the cruise industry highlights economic benefits, opposition to cruise tourism has grown louder in several Norwegian cities and fjord communities.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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This incident also highlights a recurring pattern.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This apartment features two bedrooms and two baths.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
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The flat head features two intake points, an opening at the mouth of the attachment as well as holes along its bottom, that allow the tool more range to suck up dirt, dust, crumbs, and more.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Mintz stresses that redistribution begins with ongoing dialogue.—
Jennifer Jay Palumbo,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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Yuzee also stresses the importance of ownership.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plays up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20up. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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