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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of play up
These Bears were physical, balanced and executed plays up and down the field.
—
Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 7 Dec. 2024
For a classic look, play up the symmetry of the porch with two identical planters of the same plants on either side of the porch.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025
In addition to that, Rodgers hasn’t played up to his usual standard.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2025
Its name, 808 Union Hills Plaza, plays up the lucky number eight in Chinese numerology.
—John Liu, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for play up 
Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 7 Dec. 2024
For a classic look, play up the symmetry of the porch with two identical planters of the same plants on either side of the porch.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025
In addition to that, Rodgers hasn’t played up to his usual standard.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2025
Its name, 808 Union Hills Plaza, plays up the lucky number eight in Chinese numerology.
—John Liu, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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Her works, such as Judith Slaying Holofernes, challenge traditional gender roles and highlight her mastery of light and composition. 14.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
20 Jan. 2025
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On Monday, the United Nations called for the ceasefire to transition into a permanent peace agreement, while humanitarian organizations continued to highlight the dire needs of Gaza's population.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Despite the reduction in scope, Fraga acknowledged that the development would still increase traffic on the already congested Northwest 87th Avenue, but emphasized that the revised plan was the best possible outcome, reducing the number of units by more than 1,000 from the original proposal.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
16 Jan. 2025
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Despite her character’s steely, cold-blooded exterior, Park emphasizes that No-eul is someone who is desperately seeking dignity and human connection.—
Sara Merican,
Deadline,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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As Arrowhead Stadium was being built in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the sleek and revolutionary design stressing comfort, sightlines and acoustics was a futuristic endeavor.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
24 Jan. 2025
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Darden’s health issues, which include kidney problems and back pain, are also stressed.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series featured all 10 writing nominees this season.—
Patrick Hipes,
Deadline,
23 Jan. 2025
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Dodgers How the Dodgers benefit from salary deferrals and signing bonuses to build their roster Jan. 20, 2025 The outfield features Teoscar Hernández in left, National League Championship Series MVP Tommy Edman in center and professional hitter Michael Conforto, new to the team, in right.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near play up
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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