play up

verb

played up; playing up; plays up

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
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.
The base game for Guild Wars 2 is available for free to play up to max level with eight different character professions and tons of both PvE and PvP content, with no subscription fee. David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 In early June, the Criminal Minds socials played up the whole #Jemily thing, with photos of A.J. and Paget [Brewster] wearing #Jemily shirts…. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 10 July 2025 Many elite prospects choose to play up north versus the USHL or the NCAA as a pathway to make the NHL. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 9 July 2025 New York Islanders: Adam Novotny, LW, Mountfield (Czechia) Novotny played up all season at the top pro level in Czechia and made their World Junior team as an underager. Corey Pronman, New York Times, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for play up

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of play up was in 1814

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Cite this Entry

“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20up. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

play up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on play up

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