plays up

verb

present tense third-person singular of play up
as in emphasizes
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

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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 plays up Or, let air-dry with a scrunch of mousse that plays up your hair’s natural texture. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 June 2026 This blunt cut by stylist Shaylee Blatz plays up thickness but doesn't look weighed down. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026 This wall plays up a room's height, in turn, creating both a sense of space and drama, Parker says. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 30 May 2026 If Yamal plays up to his potential, La Roja could very well earn its second star above its crest. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 June 2026 Much of the products are focused on the eyes, a continuation of his runway makeup that also plays up peepers, such as heavy lashes or exaggerated cat eyes. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 Herzog naturally plays up the enigma at hand with epic grandeur, occasionally overdoing it but usually hitting the mark. — Eric Kohn, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2026 This stainless steel iteration is a sleeker iteration that loses the embellishment of traditional ceramics but plays up the streamlined elegance. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 9 June 2026 Keserich plays up short commute times and relative affordability when pitching the region to businesses as a vice president of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 19 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays up
  1. emphasizes
  2. highlights
  3. features
  4. stresses
Verb
  • Combs emphasizes that a client should never feel like a number tucked into a file cabinet.
    — Karen Koehler, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
  • There is considerable overlap with the Mediterranean diet, which also emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, olive oil and other healthy fats.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of emphasizes
Verb
  • The article highlights her efforts to help fellow inmates, teaching resume classes and establishing a private area for nursing mothers.
    — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The Ellisons' story highlights a bigger problem for this on Atlanta's south side - access to emergency and speciality care, one that has increased since the closure of Atlanta Medical Center South in East Point.
    — Nakell Williams, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of highlights
Verb
  • Don’t expect much early because of a non-conference slate that features trips to Ole Miss and Appalachian State and a visit from a solid Louisiana team.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Legend shares a staggering scale with its two sister ships – Icon of the Seas launched in 2024, and Star of the Seas last year – but features a number of new and reimagined venues and activities.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of features
Verb
  • Loeb stresses that the council, which does not have a budget outside of some reimbursement for travel expenses for members, is not intended to be an echo chamber.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 2 July 2026
  • Patients should still take their prescribed medications, Eisenman stresses.
    — Carmel Wroth, NPR, 2 July 2026
Definition of stresses

Browse Nearby Words

plays out
plays up
plays (upon)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plays up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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