play up

verb

played up; playing up; plays up

transitive verb

: emphasize

also : exaggerate, overemphasize

Synonyms

• highlight
• emphasize
• stress
• feature
• point (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

Richland trimmed the deficit with a focus on the ground game, as Kates and Gibson ran the ball right through the Panthers’ defense while playing up-tempo. —Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025

The natural movement of wavy and curly hair can also play up the cut’s textured, undone vibe, Timperley notes. —Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025

The best collaborations should elevate both parties, playing up each partner’s respective strengths and combining for a product that brings new consumers to the fold. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025

Pagliocca had a vision for the 2025 team — a group that could sling 3-pointers and play up-tempo offense while running through Reese and Kamilla Cardoso on both ends of the court. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for play up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

play up

verb

: emphasize