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
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
Making matter worse is the fact that George didn't play up to his usual standards.
—Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Thanks to its clean and simple lines and flattering cut, the dress subtly accentuates the midsection, providing comfort and definition.
Empire waist
The sweetheart neckline on the empire waist style of an empire waist dress plays up the bust and neckline, which lengthens the upper body.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
The Richardson, Texas native was named the league’s preseason Freshman of the Year and played up to the expectations after returning from the high ankle sprain that kept him sidelined for eight games.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025
Making matter worse is the fact that George didn't play up to his usual standards.
—Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Thanks to its clean and simple lines and flattering cut, the dress subtly accentuates the midsection, providing comfort and definition.
Empire waist
The sweetheart neckline on the empire waist style of an empire waist dress plays up the bust and neckline, which lengthens the upper body.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
The Richardson, Texas native was named the league’s preseason Freshman of the Year and played up to the expectations after returning from the high ankle sprain that kept him sidelined for eight games.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play up
Verb
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Remakes on streaming have been more successful, including Netflix’s live-action version of One Piece, but that project highlights the complex nature of manga and anime licensing.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2025
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Note: Countries or blocs highlighted have been targeted in executive orders, White House announcements or social media posts.—
Annette Choi,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The problem, however, is that Starmer has repeatedly emphasized that his brainchild will only work if the mighty U.S. is backing up the European reassurance force.—
Daniel DePetris,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2025
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The report also emphasizes the need to integrate women and youth into food policy.—
Daphne Ewing-Chow,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Also during his confirmation hearing, Makary stressed his desire to find innovative solutions to lower drug prices and make technologies more accessible to patients as well as removing conflicts of interest between the pharmaceutical industry and the FDA.—
Gabrielle M. Etzel,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
26 Mar. 2025
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Labor leaders also stressed that as unfree people, contract workers did not come to the U.S. voluntarily; instead they were induced to migrate by capitalists.—
Made by History,
Time,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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There are four championship golf courses; in mid June two will host a stop of the Legends Tour which features players such as Ernie Els and Sir Nick Faldo.—
Laurie Werner,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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Enjoy peace, quiet, and your very own private pool By Erika Owen April 5, 2025 All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20up. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
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