as in highlighting
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
that TV news program plays up sensational stories just to get higher ratings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of playing up
But the Guardians are sure playing up to the challenge, and with one more three-game series left in Cleveland to go for the Tigers, things could get very interesting very quickly.
—
Christian Romo, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2025
There are a couple of reasons to believe Georgia Tech could pull the upset, starting with the Jackets' penchant for playing up to their competition the last few seasons.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
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 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
There is depth here, ranging from Jaquez to Pelle Larsson to Powell playing up in position, with Myron Gardner under contract on a two-way deal.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
Now, Berrien is running as a Republican for governor and playing up his links to Trump in interviews and TV ads.
—Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Sometimes, the perfect solo trip means playing up the blissful solitude.
—Road Trips, AFAR Media, 6 Aug. 2025
Christian Romo, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2025
There are a couple of reasons to believe Georgia Tech could pull the upset, starting with the Jackets' penchant for playing up to their competition the last few seasons.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
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 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
There is depth here, ranging from Jaquez to Pelle Larsson to Powell playing up in position, with Myron Gardner under contract on a two-way deal.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
Now, Berrien is running as a Republican for governor and playing up his links to Trump in interviews and TV ads.
—Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Sometimes, the perfect solo trip means playing up the blissful solitude.
—Road Trips, AFAR Media, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing up
Verb
-
Finally, impact strength assesses a material’s ability to absorb sudden shocks without shattering, highlighting that the hardness alone doesn’t always mean toughness.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Far from being simply a denunciation of marginalization, the song becomes a sincere embrace of vulnerable childhoods, highlighting the pain of those who grow up in poverty, neglect, and, often, are forced into crime as a means of survival.—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Compared to other diets, this one focuses on addition more than restriction; rather than emphasizing cutting calories or weight loss, this method of eating focuses on overall health and nutrient density.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Lucas made that effort clear, emphasizing in the statement to The Star that his main objective was to repeal the map and return Cleaver to Congress.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The goal is to redirect critters effectively without overly stressing them.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Kimmel also played an old clip of Trump stressing the importance of free speech, with the comedian wondering what changed between then and now.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Recruitment flyers featuring the words engraved on the bullet casings of the man who shot and killed Charlie Kirk were reportedly distributed and hung around Georgetown University‘s campus.—
Christopher Tremoglie,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Pharrell leads a performance featuring Voices of Fire and a 25-person live orchestra comprised of University of Miami students from the infield grass of an MLB ballpark.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playing up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing%20up. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share