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Synonyms
Examples of play up in a Sentence
that TV news program plays up sensational stories just to get higher ratings
Recent Examples on the Web
The answer is either that Fitzpatrick is not playing up to his paycheck, or the Steelers unwisely spent their money at safety — an area where many teams choose value over splash — instead of investing in a lockdown corner.
—Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
The interiors take a sleeker approach, playing up smooth Roman plaster walls and French oak herringbone floors throughout.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 8 Jan. 2025
The 4chan posts could also be from an unrelated impersonator, though, playing up the idea of Musk as a desperate forum poster.
—Adi Robertson, The Verge, 3 Jan. 2025
Conan O’Brien often played up his upbringing and his relationship to his white-collar professional parents for laughs.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1814, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near play up
Cite this Entry
“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20up. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
play up
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