interplay

noun

in·​ter·​play ˈin-tər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: interaction
the interplay of opposing forces
interplay intransitive verb

Examples of interplay in a Sentence

the interplay between the old and the new enjoys the interplay of three very different flavors
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.
His wizardry was displayed Sunday in fastidious massaging of volumes, sonorities and interplays, always with an undercurrent of urgency. Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026 According to Ashton, the story of stories results from the interplay between a constant and a variable. Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 3 Mar. 2026 Inflation and unemployment have also improved, however, proving that mortgage rates are driven by a complex interplay between multiple factors. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026 There’s this interplay of development and deprivation, of unbridled growth and displacement and dispossession. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interplay

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interplay was in 1862

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interplay. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

interplay

noun
in·​ter·​play ˈint-ər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: mutual action or influence : interaction
interplay
ˌint-ər-ˈplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
ˈint-ər-ˌplā
verb

More from Merriam-Webster on interplay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster