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.
The answer is either that Fitzpatrick is not playing up to his paycheck, or the Steelers unwisely spent their money at safety — an area where many teams choose value over splash — instead of investing in a lockdown corner. Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025 The interiors take a sleeker approach, playing up smooth Roman plaster walls and French oak herringbone floors throughout. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 8 Jan. 2025 The 4chan posts could also be from an unrelated impersonator, though, playing up the idea of Musk as a desperate forum poster. Adi Robertson, The Verge, 3 Jan. 2025 Conan O’Brien often played up his upbringing and his relationship to his white-collar professional parents for laughs. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 13 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 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

play up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on play up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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