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
Balmain’s latest presentation also played up animal prints, particularly zebra — a pattern used by the label’s founder, Pierre Balmain.
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Hannah Malach, WWD, 6 Mar. 2025
The Dolphins’ love for guys that can play up and down the o-line is certainly well-documented.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025
An important location for writers and artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the 138-year-old destination today plays up its intellectual and artistic history with literary gatherings, poetry workshops and live music.
—Evan Rail, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The Liberal Party ad played up many trite but true Canadian stereotypes and jokes that are not going to cut it during this sobering election campaign.
—Paula Newton, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Hannah Malach, WWD, 6 Mar. 2025
The Dolphins’ love for guys that can play up and down the o-line is certainly well-documented.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025
An important location for writers and artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the 138-year-old destination today plays up its intellectual and artistic history with literary gatherings, poetry workshops and live music.
—Evan Rail, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The Liberal Party ad played up many trite but true Canadian stereotypes and jokes that are not going to cut it during this sobering election campaign.
—Paula Newton, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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The incident triggered a huge pile-up and highlighted Smith's dangerous driving.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Apr. 2025
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Greer blamed China for the economic state and highlighted the deals other countries have struck with the U.S. to be protected from the tariffs.—
Lauren Irwin,
The Hill,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Blockchain Association emphasizes the lack of developer control over user funds, while Coin Center argues that the defendants’ activity doesn’t justify sanctions liability.—
Andrea Tinianow,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Shearing emphasized that there are no true winners in a tariff war, as higher prices harm consumers and disrupt global supply chains.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Above all, experts stressed the importance of using topical sunscreen alongside a photoprotective supplement like PLE.—
Kristen Fischer,
Health,
8 Apr. 2025
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Despite what surely had to be some angst and frustration, Bubic stressed that he really wasn’t deflated by it.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Her personalized pair featured tons of colorful gemstones inspired by Ballerini's past musical eras as well as song titles from Patterns and Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good) .—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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The playlist features a mix of entertaining and educational songs.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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