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.
But the new angle of James' reaction certainly seems to show the NBA star playing up his pain for the referees. Natasha Dye, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025 The Knicks trailed, 55-49, after a first half in which the refs allowed the Pistons to play up to their hyper-physical reputation. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025 So, my grandkids thought that was pretty funny to play up those names. Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025 And as expected, the career-long starter’s raw stuff and bat-missing ability have played up in the shorter, max-effort role. Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20up. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

play up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on play up

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