playing up

verb

present participle of play up
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

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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 Ricky Saints Michael Cole kept playing up the fact that Trick Williams has never beaten Ricky Saints, which essentially telegraphed a Trick Williams win. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Collins and Buddy Carter are playing up their conservative records on Capitol Hill, while former college football coach Derek Dooley pitches himself as a political outsider. — ABC News, 19 May 2026 The six swings-and-misses on his fastball represented a season high and indicated that the rest of his mix was playing up and keeping opposing hitters off balance. — Katie Woo, New York Times, 18 May 2026 Peeke, meanwhile, had an up-and-down season, starting well while playing up in the lineup with Hampus Lindholm. — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026 Rose said Ye bought into her flattery and liked the idea of drinking booze and playing up his bigshot status. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026 What’s the harm in asking, or playing up the theatrics? — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026 On his Instagram page, Simonds appears to relish in playing up an overly-confident wrestler. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026 Repossi finessed the rose gold used in its latest spiraling Blast high jewelry pieces, playing up its yellow gleam under a gradient of orange gemstones. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing up
  1. highlighting
  2. emphasizing
  3. stressing
  4. featuring
Verb
  • For instance, Airbus alone ended 2025 with a backlog of 8,754 commercial aircraft, highlighting just how far demand has outpaced production capacity.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
  • Following meetings with management, RBC Capital analyst Gregory Pardy reaffirmed a buy rating on Ovintiv stock with a price target of $70, highlighting that the stock is on RBC's Global Energy Best Ideas List.
    — Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 5 July 2026
Definition of highlighting
Verb
  • Floral appliqués came in the form of a rosette at the hip, where gathered fabric created a thigh-high slit with cascading florals further emphasizing the asymmetric element.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
  • Some platforms respond to that demand by emphasizing volume, including larger caseloads, shorter-term care, and faster discharge.
    — Wyles Daniel, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of emphasizing
Verb
  • No doubt many other religious institutions have seized on the World Cup with these and other emphases, including evangelizing and otherwise stressing their uniqueness.
    — Vahe Gregorian July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • Le Pen’s public positioning and rhetoric were conscious of the dynamic with Bardella, repeatedly stressing how close and loyal the two were.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026
Definition of stressing
Verb
  • Rooms The rooms vary in size and decor, but each one is true to the property's aesthetic, featuring pretty pastels, sumptuous bedding, soaring ceilings, and sparkling chandeliers.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • Variety is bringing its acclaimed Sports & Entertainment franchise to New York City in its first-ever interview studio featuring conversations with the voices shaping the future of the sports and entertainment business on July 16.
    — William Earl, Variety, 15 July 2026
Definition of featuring

Browse Nearby Words

playing out
playing up
playing (upon)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Playing up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing%20up. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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