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
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
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
Eric Kohn, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays up
Verb
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GalaxyBids emphasizes its unique position as an alternative to the traditional shopping sites that some may find dull or monotonous.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Marketing professor Jonah Berger emphasizes that understanding linguistics can enhance our communication skills, enabling us to fit in, persuade, engage, and positively influence others, especially with the aid of advanced language analysis tools and his SPEACC Framework.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Chiron in your 8th House highlights something sensitive that needs clarity.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
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The decision highlights the near-complete discretion law enforcement agencies have to withhold records from the public in criminal matters.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
Verb
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The style also features Salomon’s full-length Agile Chassis Skeleton with a distinctive carbon-like finish, delivering stability, cushioning, and all-day comfort.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
3 May 2026
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This popular, low-maintenance plant features stunning burgundy foliage and bright pink spring flowers.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
3 May 2026
Verb
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Veteran Marcus Smart stresses the Lakers must be willing to play harder than ever to avoid a historic collapse and playoff exit.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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Garvey also stresses the importance of using your senses when evaluating items.—
Jazmine A. Ortiz,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plays up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20up. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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