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
The faux-seriousness of The Immortal Man is especially egregious when the film plays up the television show’s worst behaviors.
—
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 6 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
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 6 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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Paul Advisory & Legal Group PLLC emphasizes that protection strategies are strongest when they are integrated into the business long before a sale is imminent.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
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Jupiter Direct emphasizes the value of consistent, small habits, rather than momentary, flash-in-the-pan type efforts.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Charles Wylie, the museum’s curator of photography, says the exhibit highlights the centrality of the Black experience in American history, from the tragedies to the mundaneness of family life.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Mar. 2026
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The Parks Department created an interactive map that highlights all wildflower blooms in the state right now.—
Emilee Coblentz,
Outside,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The small villa, ideal for a duo, features a living room-balcony hybrid where trailing greenery frames views of the water.—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
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The retailer’s sale & clearance section features open-box deals on items that have been purchased, opened, and then returned.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Erin stresses the necessity of experiencing the mountains on their own terms, while Benji is adamant that the Alps have far more on tap than big, steep lines.—
Sergei Poljak,
Outside,
7 Mar. 2026
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Heat also stresses the plant and can cause bolting.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plays up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20up. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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