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

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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 Cox, who grew up a fan of Dodgers utilityman Chris Taylor, is a primary outfielder but has impressed during his brief time at second base, making several difficult plays up the middle. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026 In advertisements, Tiffany plays up his roots on a Wisconsin dairy farm and love of the Green Bay Packers and a brandy old fashioned. — Clay Masters, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026 And we’re all being manipulated, which social media plays up. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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 This blunt cut by stylist Shaylee Blatz plays up thickness but doesn't look weighed down. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 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 Or, let air-dry with a scrunch of mousse that plays up your hair’s natural texture. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 June 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays up
  1. emphasizes
  2. highlights
  3. features
  4. stresses
Verb
  • Okuyama emphasizes a focus on lightweight construction and a direct human connection, using traditional craftsmanship alongside modern tech.
    — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • If an episode set in the desert emphasizes orange, the next might lean toward the green of the rainforest, followed by the white of snow, and so on.
    — Matthew Jacobs, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of emphasizes
Verb
  • While Nvidia may offer some residual-value support, the article highlights that strong rental prices don't guarantee high resale value.
    — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • While the Maxwell Ratings reflect each team’s strength, the simulation highlights the impact of the season’s structure as defined by the games, region alignments and playoff brackets.
    — Loren Maxwell, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of highlights
Verb
  • Balancing functionality with the brand’s house codes, the bag features two spacious compartments and a zippered one in the center.
    — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The trial set to begin Tuesday in federal court in Oakland, California, features four of the states as plaintiffs — California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of features
Verb
  • Imtiaz stresses that with any form of treatment, speaking up quickly about any concerns is essential.
    — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
  • However, effective delivery remains a critical challenge; Junho Jung stresses that topical applications often lack the efficacy of clinical injections, as ingredient stability and form are crucial for skin absorption.
    — Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of stresses

Browse Nearby Words

plays out
plays up
plays (upon)
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Cite this Entry

“Plays up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20up. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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