as in to highlight
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of play up
Yet another hopes to make the best of a bad trade policy, and by way of justification, is also playing up the rivalry with China.
—
Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 9 May 2025
Florida will play up to three games of the best-of-7 series against the Edmonton Oilers on home ice at Sunrise’s Amerant Bank Arena — Game 3 on Monday, June 9; Game 4 on Thursday, June 12; and Game 6 (if necessary) on Tuesday, June 17.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
China's state media outlets have long played up gun violence in the U.S. and portrayed America as a dangerous place.
—CBS News, 23 May 2025
Chinese state media has long played up gun violence in the U.S. and portrayed America as a dangerous place.
—Rajesh Roy, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 9 May 2025
Florida will play up to three games of the best-of-7 series against the Edmonton Oilers on home ice at Sunrise’s Amerant Bank Arena — Game 3 on Monday, June 9; Game 4 on Thursday, June 12; and Game 6 (if necessary) on Tuesday, June 17.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
China's state media outlets have long played up gun violence in the U.S. and portrayed America as a dangerous place.
—CBS News, 23 May 2025
Chinese state media has long played up gun violence in the U.S. and portrayed America as a dangerous place.
—Rajesh Roy, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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Rivers of ink have been spilled in the last few days highlighting various perspectives on immigration raids, protests and riots in Los Angeles and other cities.—
Agustina Vergara Cid,
Oc Register,
13 June 2025
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This lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Charleston on behalf of 13 nonprofits and six cities, highlighted how the pause furloughed employees and halted programs vital to communities, farmers and public health.—
Chase Jordan,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2025
Verb
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Despite the optics, Kang has emphasized to fans and players that the Spirit was her first investment in sports, which carries weight.—
Emily Olsen,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
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My son has a good coach, who emphasizes sharing, teamwork, and working together.—
Ira Porter,
Christian Science Monitor,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Tony stressed that security-camera footage shows the deputies used an appropriate amount of force in controlling Caputo.—
Isabel Rivera,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
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Emergency officials stressed the importance of monitoring weather updates and local alerts.—
Barney Henderson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Verb
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All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
16 June 2025
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Content from New Regency and Lionsgate already features on the platform.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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