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.
Matthew Liberatore is finally playing up to his potential. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 19 May 2025 The press played up the rivalry over the course of a year, Robins noted, until Van Alen resolved it by having the spire covertly assembled from five parts on the 65th floor and quickly hoisted up in 90 minutes so that competitors would not know its final height until it was completed. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025 The wooden, arched front door that stands encased in a wall of light bronze bricks is one that plays up the era’s influences, as are the curved walls and ceilings spanning the residence. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2025 In this pre-fab coastal cottage, designer Jennifer Hunter played up the beachy color palette with textiles and artwork but kept the walls an airy white. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20up. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

play up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on play up

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