play up

verb

played up; playing up; plays up
Synonyms of play upnext

transitive verb

: emphasize
In the interview, try to play up your strengths.
also : exaggerate, overemphasize
It was only a small achievement but the CEO really played it 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.
Netflix’s promos for Star Search have played up the fact that many of the contestants from the original went on to find success, from Brad Garrett and Ray Romano to Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2026 The billionaire played up his connection with Cignetti, saying he and the coach were both born at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh. Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 19 Jan. 2026 The Seahawks simply blew the play up and there was no space for either Juszczyk or McCaffrey to operate. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 18 Jan. 2026 Morton brought the play up during the week and Denver installed it, Crum said, in recent days. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026 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 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

play up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on play up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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