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 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 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
  • Rather than focusing first on science, the video opens with genuine reactions from eclipse observers, highlighting an experience that many describe as life-changing.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Chef—the character is nameless, and seemingly unknowable—is a mentor and a foil to Tony, his lined face and graying beard highlighting Tony’s youth, his composure framing Tony’s jittery ambition.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of highlighting
Verb
  • The piece urges critical inquiry into such claims, emphasizing that human oversight, not AI's inherent deviousness, can be a sizable contributor.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Stevens is emphasizing her crossover appeal and support for Michigan manufacturing.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of emphasizing
Verb
  • Physicians are alarmed, stressing that FDA licensing is crucial for guiding patients, as this decision risks confusing consumers about regulated versus unregulated treatments.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • My doctor is really stressing weight training using heavier weights for me.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of stressing
Verb
  • The Overlook at Garson will be a mixed-use community developed by Pennrose and Radiant Development Partners, featuring efficiency, one- and two-bedroom homes designated as Low-Income Housing Tax Credit units.
    — Elijah Megginson, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Her brand is characterized by voluminous designs featuring intricate handmade details, airy layers, and techniques such as quilting and smocking in dresses, sweeping skirts, and peplum tops.
    — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 5 Aug. 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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