play up

verb

played up; playing up; plays up

Examples of play up in a Sentence

that TV news program plays up sensational stories just to get higher ratings
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For a classic look, play up the symmetry of the porch with two identical planters of the same plants on either side of the porch. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025 In addition to that, Rodgers hasn’t played up to his usual standard. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2025 Its name, 808 Union Hills Plaza, plays up the lucky number eight in Chinese numerology. John Liu, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024 Curtis plays up his hetero masculinity in the office, but at home is a devoted, loving partner to his boyfriend. Kerensa Cadenas, IndieWire, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for play up 

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of play up was in 1814

Dictionary Entries Near play up

Cite this Entry

“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20up. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

play up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on play up

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