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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The high-torque swing emphasizes maximum rotation of Woods’ shoulders relative to his hips.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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For adults who choose to drink, the 2025-2030 issue of Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasizes moderation, advises that drinking less is better than drinking more for overall health, and that some people should not drink at all.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The festival highlights the diversity of Asian cultures with more than 200 dishes from over 80 food vendors, representing cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond, ranging from street food to fusion bites.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
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Hiller’s decision highlights the impact of incoming offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, a two-time national championship left tackle at Florida who spent the last six seasons at Penn State.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Clean Acne features blue LED lights to kill acne-causing bacteria while the Clean Redvolution combines the cleansing power of PMD Clean with the rejuvenating treatment of red light therapy.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
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The film is structured as a triptych, and its second section features vignettes and images that give context to the humiliation that Emi experiences in the third.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
13 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 14 Apr. 2026.
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