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
Paradise playing coy with details on Samantha’s plan or how ALEX can be used to save the world plays up the mystery, but this lack of information regarding her thought process zaps the moment of emotion and tension.
—
Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
The tour guide may have deflected my Phantom questions, but the opera house plays up just enough of the mystery.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 3 Mar. 2026
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
Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
The tour guide may have deflected my Phantom questions, but the opera house plays up just enough of the mystery.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 3 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays up
Verb
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Northrop Grumman emphasizes that the aircraft’s integration with aerial refueling significantly extends its range, enabling longer missions and more efficient test sorties.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Apr. 2026
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Its elegant glam design emphasizes vibrant hues and sensual curvy lines.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But while the report highlights billions in technology spending over several years, the district’s annual budget is far larger, meaning those costs account for a relatively small share of overall spending.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
18 Apr. 2026
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The study highlights a shift in bioengineering approaches, moving from single-organism engineering toward cooperative microbial systems that behave like living electrical circuits.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Monday features three games with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets looking to take 2-0 series leads.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
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The third season of Euphoria, which premiered on HBO Max on April 12, features a five-year time jump, taking the characters from adolescence into young adulthood.—
Katie Mannion,
PEOPLE,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Bissell stresses that consumers should not dispose of the machine, water tank cap, and measuring cup of cleaners, as those parts are not affected.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
10 Apr. 2026
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There’s a $10 cover charge for the evening, and Stagecoach stresses that Langley will not be in attendance.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plays up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20up. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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