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
There is, however, a way to play up that default by going for a metallic that acts as a grounding neutral.
—
Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
Marina and Palisades both play up-tempo, feature 3-point shooters and depth.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
On his Instagram page, Simonds appears to relish in playing up an overly-confident wrestler.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026
Natasha Zinko played up the fades of men’s blue jeans.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
Marina and Palisades both play up-tempo, feature 3-point shooters and depth.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
On his Instagram page, Simonds appears to relish in playing up an overly-confident wrestler.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026
Natasha Zinko played up the fades of men’s blue jeans.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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The research highlights the role of dense, hydrogen-rich atmospheres in trapping internal heat.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Mar. 2026
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The divided views highlight deeper questions about how the site should be redeveloped and whether an arena fits.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And in some cases, CEOs have less authority, as flatter organizations emphasize collaboration over top-down decision-making.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
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Rather than chronological or geographical groupings, Barnes emphasized formal relationships of light, line, and color across cultures and time periods.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Most babies will be fine, so no need to stress over the small stuff, and don’t let people pressure you into doing anything.—
Anna Moeslein,
Glamour,
16 Mar. 2026
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Bess stressed that the department is in its 12th day of Spring Break deployment and arrests are down 21% from last year.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
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The Celtics’ roster now features two of the franchise’s top 10 all-time scorers.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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