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
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
Lately, Laine noted, the WWE’s star villain Becky Lynch has been using some familiar-sounding language while playing up her status as a sore loser.
—Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
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
Lately, Laine noted, the WWE’s star villain Becky Lynch has been using some familiar-sounding language while playing up her status as a sore loser.
—Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing up
Verb
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On Tuesday, the clinic also posted a video on its Instagram account highlighting emergency equipment, including a crash cart, and personnel available at the facility.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
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As the murder trial got underway, supporters of both families gathered outside the courthouse alongside activists and online personalities, highlighting the intense public interest surrounding the proceedings.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Verb
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After Love Is Blind season four, producers publicly responded to online conversations and allegations from former contestants regarding participant welfare, emphasizing the support protocols for cast members.—
Jacqueline Jevtich,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
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First, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced the end of vaccination requirements in his state, emphasizing the tyranny of basic public health.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Verb
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With drought stressing the Colorado River and other water supplies, the promise of a new supply from the Pacific Ocean seems politically irresistible.—
Sara Sutherland,
Oc Register,
8 June 2026
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Johnson pushed back against Pulte's critics -- arguing that the president has the prerogative to choose his Cabinet while stressing that the president told reporters that Pulte would serve on an acting basis -- up to 210 days without Senate confirmation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 June 2026
Verb
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The Toledo Police Department said a manhunt is underway for Ka Nye Taylor, who is wanted on 11 counts of felonious assault in connection with the June 6 shooting near the popular Old West End Festival, an annual event featuring live music, food vendors and home tours.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
11 June 2026
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The talent on display will be breathtaking and the matches should be thrilling, though a bloated group stage featuring 72 matches could dilute some of the excitement early in the tournament.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Playing up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing%20up. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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