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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
Boykin’s remarks highlight a stark tension: the question of whether participating in such an event constitutes an endorsement of Trump’s policies—policies that have historically vilified and marginalized Black people.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
20 Jan. 2025
-
Dobrev then directed her followers to a spreadsheet in her bio, which highlights GoFundMe links to families in need following the fires.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The designer emphasized the craftsmanship behind the gown, noting that it was made by hand in North America, with each detail pinned, draped and sewn by a team of female artisans.—
Ty Gaskins,
WWD,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Schumer and other leaders emphasized that a freeze in federal funding would affect American families in red and blue states who rely on federal funding.—
Barbara Sprunt,
NPR,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Of those who identified as financially stressed, 32% said handling unexpected emergencies like medical bills, car repairs and home maintenance trigger their anxiety with cash, the report found.—
Ana Teresa Solá,
CNBC,
24 Jan. 2025
-
The parties, my best friends and I threw every now and then, whenever the school stressed us out, to let off some steam and feel less stressed by criticizing the school system together laughing until our sides ached, those were the nights that built the bonds that truly mattered.—
Amal Murtaja,
TIME,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The show featured performances with David Bowie and Bryan Adams.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
23 Jan. 2025
-
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 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share