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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of plays up
Keserich plays up short commute times and relative affordability when pitching the region to businesses as a vice president of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance.
—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
This blunt cut by stylist Shaylee Blatz plays up thickness but doesn't look weighed down.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
This stainless steel iteration is a sleeker iteration that loses the embellishment of traditional ceramics but plays up the streamlined elegance.
—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
9 June 2026
Or, let air-dry with a scrunch of mousse that plays up your hair’s natural texture.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
9 June 2026
If Yamal plays up to his potential, La Roja could very well earn its second star above its crest.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
6 June 2026
This wall plays up a room's height, in turn, creating both a sense of space and drama, Parker says.
—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
30 May 2026
Much of the products are focused on the eyes, a continuation of his runway makeup that also plays up peepers, such as heavy lashes or exaggerated cat eyes.
—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Herzog naturally plays up the enigma at hand with epic grandeur, occasionally overdoing it but usually hitting the mark.
—
Eric Kohn,
IndieWire,
24 Apr. 2026
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
This blunt cut by stylist Shaylee Blatz plays up thickness but doesn't look weighed down.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
This stainless steel iteration is a sleeker iteration that loses the embellishment of traditional ceramics but plays up the streamlined elegance.
—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
9 June 2026
Or, let air-dry with a scrunch of mousse that plays up your hair’s natural texture.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
9 June 2026
If Yamal plays up to his potential, La Roja could very well earn its second star above its crest.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
6 June 2026
This wall plays up a room's height, in turn, creating both a sense of space and drama, Parker says.
—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
30 May 2026
Much of the products are focused on the eyes, a continuation of his runway makeup that also plays up peepers, such as heavy lashes or exaggerated cat eyes.
—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Herzog naturally plays up the enigma at hand with epic grandeur, occasionally overdoing it but usually hitting the mark.
—
Eric Kohn,
IndieWire,
24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays up
Verb
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Their leadership emphasizes quality, craftsmanship and long-term reputation over short-term gains.
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The American model emphasizes individual responsibility and personal choice.
Verb
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The article highlights her efforts to help fellow inmates, teaching resume classes and establishing a private area for nursing mothers.
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The Ellisons' story highlights a bigger problem for this on Atlanta's south side - access to emergency and speciality care, one that has increased since the closure of Atlanta Medical Center South in East Point.
Verb
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The show features fire jugglers and fire breathers.
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For the first time ever, the starting lineup mostly features players with key roles on teams in top European leagues.
Verb
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Bagnara stresses picking repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for maximum efficiency and minimal side effects for humans and pets.
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The article stresses that essential human skills, including judgment, communication, and critical thinking, remain highly valuable.
Cite this Entry
“Plays up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20up. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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