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
Examples 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
Its softer tones serve as a backdrop to a myriad of accent colors and furnishing styles, while more saturated yellows can be played up to make more of a statement—especially with finish treatment (eggshell vs. gloss etc.).
—
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024
Related Articles During an interview, Eiseman played up how browns have been gaining traction with fashion designers beyond the classicism that they are known for.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024
In the aftermath of the 2020 election, Newsmax played up Donald Trump‘s unfounded claims that the 2020 election was rigged against him.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 Dec. 2024
In some cases, the West can play up these facts by declassifying information that exposes these tensions.
—Maria Snegovaya, Foreign Affairs, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for play up 
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024
Related Articles During an interview, Eiseman played up how browns have been gaining traction with fashion designers beyond the classicism that they are known for.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024
In the aftermath of the 2020 election, Newsmax played up Donald Trump‘s unfounded claims that the 2020 election was rigged against him.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 Dec. 2024
In some cases, the West can play up these facts by declassifying information that exposes these tensions.
—Maria Snegovaya, Foreign Affairs, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
-
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music.Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 21 Dec. 2024
-
The true freshman also threw two first-half interceptions to cost Florida points and highlight his struggles against zone coverage.Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Apart Smart Air Technology's app emphasizes gathering more data, using less material, and reducing labor costs, aiming to offer greater benefits than existing systems.Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
-
Jenkins emphasizes the pair’s intimacy with close-up shots of their expressive faces and their bodies while playfully jostling or conspiring to prank the adults.Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey stressed the importance of having working carbon monoxide alarms in homes in Wednesday’s statement.Phil Helsel, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024
-
The Operational Command stressed the importance of immediate readiness to counter potential spillover from the conflict in Ukraine into NATO territory.Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Russia and Iran are members of what analysts at the Center for New American Security have dubbed the Axis of Upheaval, a group of states, which also features China and North Korea, that have increasingly positioned themselves as opponents of Western powers.Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024
-
The stock motherboard features a quad-core Rockchip processor supported by 4 GB of RAM and a somewhat paltry 32 GB of internal storage – though there is support for up to 2 TB of microSD card expansion.Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 24 Dec. 2024
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 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share