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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.
Alani, however, remains the purest of heart — unassuming and unaware in a way that allows Whitaker to play up her character’s earnestness. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025 For Carolina, keeping Bryce Young's pocket clean will be tough without center Cade Mays or right guard Robert Hunt, but the Panthers have gotten solid play up front this season despite a number of injuries. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025 In recent weeks, Maduro has repeatedly played up the role of the Bolivarian Militia, formed in 2008 by Chavez to provide a loyal paramilitary force that, while technically part of the armed forces, comes directly under the control of the president. German Padinger, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025 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 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 29 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

play up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on play up

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