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
Richland trimmed the deficit with a focus on the ground game, as Kates and Gibson ran the ball right through the Panthers’ defense while playing up-tempo.
—
Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
The best collaborations should elevate both parties, playing up each partner’s respective strengths and combining for a product that brings new consumers to the fold.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
There is depth here, ranging from Jaquez to Pelle Larsson to Powell playing up in position, with Myron Gardner under contract on a two-way deal.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
Now, Berrien is running as a Republican for governor and playing up his links to Trump in interviews and TV ads.
—Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Sometimes, the perfect solo trip means playing up the blissful solitude.
—Road Trips, AFAR Media, 6 Aug. 2025
Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
The best collaborations should elevate both parties, playing up each partner’s respective strengths and combining for a product that brings new consumers to the fold.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
There is depth here, ranging from Jaquez to Pelle Larsson to Powell playing up in position, with Myron Gardner under contract on a two-way deal.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
Now, Berrien is running as a Republican for governor and playing up his links to Trump in interviews and TV ads.
—Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Sometimes, the perfect solo trip means playing up the blissful solitude.
—Road Trips, AFAR Media, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing up
Verb
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People around the league are familiar with the player experience in Chicago (or Connecticut, Dallas or Los Angeles); Reese highlighting the disparity between her organization and others that receive more investment is common practice.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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The decision stems from a class action lawsuit filed during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the financial struggles of disabled individuals who lost part-time jobs.—
Laura Schulte,
jsonline.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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By removing color, the focus shifts to texture, light, gesture, and gaze — emphasizing the nuances of connection and the multiplicity of what love can look like beyond normative, romanticized ideals.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
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Politicians, pundits and free speech groups are emphasizing the point that a functioning democracy depends on resolving differences with words, not weapons.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Bohls said the agency has received 130 tips as of Thursday morning, stressing that none are too small and all will be investigated.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
11 Sep. 2025
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And the national economy and the local job market cooled, further stressing house hunters’ willingness to pay up for a home.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Stock up on their gummies and stationery featuring Genki, the running-boy mascot.—
Kaila Yu,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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The first season consisted of eight episodes, and season 2 will have eight more, featuring returning voice cast members and new guest stars.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playing up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing%20up. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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