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

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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 Forty-three football-playing schools are playing up in class this season. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The fourth member of the household is Terry’s lurking aide, an androgynous aesthete named Steven (theater producer Jordan Roth, playing up the character’s feline strangeness). — Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 These athletes created signature shoes, playing up their personal stories in the marketing. — Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 20 July 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing up
  1. highlighting
  2. emphasizing
  3. stressing
  4. featuring
Verb
  • Ukraine did not shoot down any of the ballistic missiles fired at it overnight, according to an Air Force statement, again highlighting its short supply of missiles interceptors.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Moon conjoins Venus in Libra and your 1st House of Self, highlighting your presence, style, mood, and personal magnetism.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of highlighting
Verb
  • The movement of the camera is both smooth and bold, emphasizing context along with action and landscape along with the people living in its presence.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Talley called the win the culmination of her amateur career, emphasizing the importance of staying calm amidst the challenging conditions.
    — Zach Schenfisch, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of emphasizing
Verb
  • The article urges individuals, partners, and medical professionals to recognize red flags and proactively seek support, stressing that preparedness and open communication are vital for maternal well-being.
    — John Samuels, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The younger Pallister credited Janelle with never forcing her into the sport and stressing the need to have fun.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of stressing
Verb
  • Stewart stayed strong on her go-to outfit formula in a black Dickies jacket, vintage tee, silk shorts, and Converse high-top sneakers, with the bomber jacket also featuring a red pocket accent.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Rovers’ old Belle Vue base, which is now housing, featuring a couple of nods to the site’s heritage, isn’t far away, either, just across from Doncaster Racecourse.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of featuring

Browse Nearby Words

playing out
playing up
playing (upon)
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Cite this Entry

“Playing up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing%20up. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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