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
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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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As officials continue to investigate and search for Nancy Guthrie, Walsh emphasizes the important role the public can play in missing persons cases when every second counts.—
Julia Bonavita , Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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The master distiller also emphasizes the importance of heat cycling, a process Brown-Forman implemented in 1874 that mimics the changing seasons during the colder months to ensure maturation doesn’t stop.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The show highlights curiosity and problem-solving, while quietly breaking down stereotypes about Black people, and expands what kids imagine is possible for themselves.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
30 Jan. 2026
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This detail highlights the complexity of color, mirroring how tweeds that appear predominantly green or brown are, in fact, woven from a rich spectrum of threads, including yellow and fuchsia — all the colors of the rainbow.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The film also features an appearance by Kylie Jenner.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
1 Feb. 2026
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The ceremony honors music artists and industry professionals with awards and features performances from special guests.—
Mars Salazar,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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What to Know Before Going Bold With Color A bold color moment can be transformative, but Prado stresses preparation.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 Jan. 2026
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Alvarez stresses that his bill isn’t creating more general bachelor’s degree programs popular at the universities, such as psychology.—
Cal Matters,
Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plays up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20up. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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