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.
For his audience, Guede played up the resilience that 2Africa would provide his country. Samanth Subramanian, The Dial, 14 Oct. 2025 At 6-2, 215, he is built well for the position and plays up to his size with his on-field physicality. Dane Brugler, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 As the officials tried to break the play up, Crump was seen pushing one official. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025 Henry isn’t playing up to his usual standards so far this season, but is always a threat to put up a big game. Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20up. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

play up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on play up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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