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
But both have been playing up to their usual standards through the first two rounds.
—
Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
The Disney presentation shrewdly played up franchises and IP more than numbers.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
That’s saying something, considering that team also had another player who was playing up a year: Michael Misa.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Matthew Liberatore is finally playing up to his potential.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
The Disney presentation shrewdly played up franchises and IP more than numbers.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
That’s saying something, considering that team also had another player who was playing up a year: Michael Misa.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Matthew Liberatore is finally playing up to his potential.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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Best Choice Products 4-Piece Outdoor Patio Set The patio set has earned thousands of perfect ratings, with many highlighting its durability, ease of assembly, and relaxing feel.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
1 June 2025
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Jason Kelce highlights These highlights are not of the football kind.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
1 June 2025
Verb
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President Obama emphasized battery-electric vehicles and solar, while President Trump focused on fossil fuels.—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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During his address in the Senate chamber, King Charles emphasized Canada’s independence and resilience.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Manufacturers have stressed to the Trump administration in talks that any tariffs need to take into account the cost of running and expanding operations in the U.S., and the administration's policy may run counter to the reshoring aim.—
Lori Ann LaRocco,
CNBC,
23 May 2025
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However, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond stressed that there has been growth in transitional kindergarten (TK) enrollment—a new grade that serves four-year-olds.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Her pixie cut hair was styled in a sleek look with makeup elements featuring bold brows, lined eyes and a glossy lip.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
4 June 2025
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Brady's kids appear to be fans of Scott, as an Instagram photo shared by the father of three on New Year's Day showed one of his kids wearing a shirt featuring the rapper's face.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
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