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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Cambridge’s absence also highlighted the Buckeyes’ lack of depth.—
Sabreena Merchant,
The Athletic,
20 Jan. 2025
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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
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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The Academy stresses that all dates are subject to change.—
Paul Grein,
Billboard,
13 Jan. 2025
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According to The Los Angeles Times, officials stressed that there is no immediate danger to the Westwood campus but urged students to remain vigilant.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
13 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The photo shared from the vice president’s official social media accounts on Saturday featured the three Democrats the most prominently.—
Neil Vigdor,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2025
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The season featured Sherée Whitfield, Marlo Hampton, Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, Drew Sidora, and Sanya Richards-Ross as the core cast.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
11 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 23 Jan. 2025.
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