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
Henry isn’t playing up to his usual standards so far this season, but is always a threat to put up a big game.
—
Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025
Are prospects playing up to expectations?
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Politicians in both countries have instrumentalized the hostility to win legitimacy, selectively playing up grievances with the other side.
—Thomas De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025
Baggy jeans can also make playing up bold pieces a lot more fun.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025
But the Guardians are sure playing up to the challenge, and with one more three-game series left in Cleveland to go for the Tigers, things could get very interesting very quickly.
—Christian Romo, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2025
There are a couple of reasons to believe Georgia Tech could pull the upset, starting with the Jackets' penchant for playing up to their competition the last few seasons.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
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
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
Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025
Are prospects playing up to expectations?
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Politicians in both countries have instrumentalized the hostility to win legitimacy, selectively playing up grievances with the other side.
—Thomas De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025
Baggy jeans can also make playing up bold pieces a lot more fun.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025
But the Guardians are sure playing up to the challenge, and with one more three-game series left in Cleveland to go for the Tigers, things could get very interesting very quickly.
—Christian Romo, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2025
There are a couple of reasons to believe Georgia Tech could pull the upset, starting with the Jackets' penchant for playing up to their competition the last few seasons.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing up
Verb
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The loss leaves a significant mark on the history of American music and culture, with tributes highlighting his artistic legacy and personal impact.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
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The findings from Professor Azuma and his team were published in Environmental Research, highlighting a promising route toward practical, sustainable rare earth recovery.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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At a reunion special, Conner read a heartfelt letter acknowledging his past and emphasizing the possibility of healing, bringing both himself and Whitney to tears.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Oct. 2025
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Woods first introduced the Woods by Jordyn footwear line as an expansion of her ready-to-wear brand, emphasizing inclusivity of sizing.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Unfortunately for him, the team denied any interference, stressing that any differences would be resolved within the team after the race.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
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There’s no need to invest in something bigger than your budget allows, so being as upfront as possible will save you from stressing later.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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At Le Bon Marché, Song will transform the store’s display cases into a participatory installation featuring personal objects submitted by both customers and staff.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
16 Oct. 2025
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Billboard spoke with Gyakie about juggling her international business degree with her budding musical career, spending three years recording After Midnight and sampling her father’s classic and featuring her favorite rapper on one of its tracks.—
Heran Mamo,
Billboard,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playing up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing%20up. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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