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
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Recent Examples of playing up
Also, Tua Tagovailoa was told this week to stop thinking and just play and the team practiced playing up tempo more.
—
Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Vincent and Reaves are both playing up a spot from their more natural positions, although the 6-foot-6 Doncic could be matched up against Podziemski on defense for much of the night.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
When planning for sets up to 10 hours long, Summit began building a community of underground, unsigned artists, playing up to 15 of them at his shows.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Altagamma is also increasingly playing up the cultural and creative.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
Henry isn’t playing up to his usual standards so far this season, but is always a threat to put up a big game.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025
Are prospects playing up to expectations?
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Politicians in both countries have instrumentalized the hostility to win legitimacy, selectively playing up grievances with the other side.
—Thomas De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025
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
Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Vincent and Reaves are both playing up a spot from their more natural positions, although the 6-foot-6 Doncic could be matched up against Podziemski on defense for much of the night.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
When planning for sets up to 10 hours long, Summit began building a community of underground, unsigned artists, playing up to 15 of them at his shows.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Altagamma is also increasingly playing up the cultural and creative.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
Henry isn’t playing up to his usual standards so far this season, but is always a threat to put up a big game.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025
Are prospects playing up to expectations?
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Politicians in both countries have instrumentalized the hostility to win legitimacy, selectively playing up grievances with the other side.
—Thomas De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing up
Verb
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The show debuted on May 9, 2024, and has been praised for its engaging storyline and strong performances, particularly highlighting the dynamics of class and privilege within a prestigious school setting.—
Sophie Hanson,
StyleCaster,
7 Nov. 2025
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The end of year signals holiday cheer, festive feasts and of course, the yearly return of Spotify Wrapped — the streaming platform's annual review highlighting users' listening habits for the year.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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If successful, the city shouldn’t have any violations of the irrigation ordnance by this time next year, Harder said, emphasizing the cutoffs would only be for irrigation, not indoor usage.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Nov. 2025
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Despite spending heavily to restore the mansion, Bloomberg chose to live in his Upper East Side townhouse, emphasizing the mansion’s role as a venue for municipal events, meetings with foreign dignitaries, and public tours rather than as a personal residence.—
Nandika Chatterjee,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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All that's missing is stressing over when to put it in the oven.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
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Oh gosh, why is this stressing me out?—
Julie Jordan,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Fujian is China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, featuring electromagnetic catapults that can launch three aircraft types, according to Chinese state media.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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The retailer dropped the Rare DNM Edit Holiday Collection, a line of jackets and jeans featuring statement embellishments and details befitting holiday parties and festive events.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playing up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing%20up. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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