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
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
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
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People around the league are familiar with the player experience in Chicago (or Connecticut, Dallas or Los Angeles); Reese highlighting the disparity between her organization and others that receive more investment is common practice.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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The decision stems from a class action lawsuit filed during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the financial struggles of disabled individuals who lost part-time jobs.—
Laura Schulte,
jsonline.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Advocates expressed frustration, emphasizing the need for comfortable and safe air travel for all passengers.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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The super tuskers are part of a small and declining population, emphasizing the importance of their conservation.—
Gaby Keiderling,
Robb Report,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Others echo the same sentiment, stressing that his anger is more than understandable.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
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These staples are made for traveling light, mixing and matching, and actually enjoying your fall plans without stressing over what to wear.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Amid the album's release, Justin shared several clips and photos on Instagram of billboards and projections in various locations around the world featuring a photo with his 1-year-old son Jack Blues, and himself and his wife, 28, with the little one.—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
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Economy passengers can expect free meals featuring options like chicken with Japanese curry or a fish fillet with a herb-caper cream sauce, along with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playing up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing%20up. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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