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.
Well, for one thing, the backlash was played up. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026 His best shot may come inside, where his temperament and point-of-attack quickness could play up. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 Look for furnishings that play up colors found in your landscaping, your home's exterior, or your other outdoor decor. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026 In their New York home, Tina and Joe have played up the charming historical details of their pre-war apartment like original molding and uneven walls. Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 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 17 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

play up

verb

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