play up

verb

played up; playing up; plays up

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.
At 6-5, the Warriors have played up and down to their competition too many times over the first stretch of the year, but Kerr also remains outwardly confident that the Warriors will get things turned around soon. Nick Friedell, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025 Known for its organic womenswear, childrenswear and baby clothing, the lifestyle brand plays up well-being, transparency and responsible production. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025 That was in contrast with the campaigns run by Spanberger and Sherrill, both of whom played up their public service credentials and sought to avoid dwelling on hot-button policy issues like trans rights or the Israel-Hamas conflict. Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2025 The Hunting Wives actress plays up her black fringe gown with a diamond necklace and smokey eye makeup. Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 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 16 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

play up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on play up

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