1
as in to recreate
to engage in activity for amusement
told her son that he needed some time to run and play in the yard after his hard work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to perform
to present a portrayal or performance of
played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to pose (as)
to pretend to be (what one is not) in appearance or behavior
stop playing the innocent, because I know that you were behind that prank
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to lounge
to spend time in aimless activity
just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to manipulate
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
this is how we're going to play the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself
it's such a delight to watch the children in their play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in drama
a written work in which the story is told through speech and action that is intended to be acted out on stage
we'll be putting on a school play using that stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in game
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously
I didn't mean to insult anyone, for it was all just play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in use
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose
the host's sense of humor was obviously in play during the awards ceremony
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
the guy at the bar made an unusually creative play to get her phone number
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of play
Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Eavesdrop on conversations with Rohmer and Jacques Rivette in the Cahiers office, the clack of dueling typewriters soundtracking the camaraderie, and play voyeur as everyone’s hero Roberto Rosselini stops by to address the troops and pocket finger sandwiches on the way out.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
At her spring show, Marie-Adam Leenaerdt brought back the style, but her shiny spandex stocking version ensures no one confuses the look for child’s play.
—Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
The Blue Jays’ optional workout consisted of little more than kids playing catch in the outfield.
—Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Eavesdrop on conversations with Rohmer and Jacques Rivette in the Cahiers office, the clack of dueling typewriters soundtracking the camaraderie, and play voyeur as everyone’s hero Roberto Rosselini stops by to address the troops and pocket finger sandwiches on the way out.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
Gabriel, meanwhile, has played a conservative, game-management style that has kept Cleveland competitive at times, but the offense’s lack of explosive plays has coincided with losses in three of the team’s last four games.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
At her spring show, Marie-Adam Leenaerdt brought back the style, but her shiny spandex stocking version ensures no one confuses the look for child’s play.
—Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Verb
-
During the formative phase of the infant American republic, when its survival was still problematic, iconic founders performed a valuable function as reliable sources of unquestioned wisdom, a veritable gallery of Delphic oracles available on demand.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Kevin previously performed the song solo for the first time at the band's Boston date in August.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Now that the restoration is complete, Birger is spending her days in the kitchen cooking, lounging on the sunbed at the pool, and working in her studio.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
28 Oct. 2025
-
In a viral TikTok shared by user @rejumadnil, a small dog can be seen calmly lounging on what appears to be an entire couch cushion placed neatly inside its kennel.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Because Atlas reads web pages, malicious websites can manipulate it by hiding instructions in their code – a technique called prompt injection.—
The AI Insider,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Young’s ability to manipulate the pocket with his quickness and improvisational skills has helped keep the Panthers’ sack count low.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
China has been building the world’s largest navy, launching high-tech warships at a frenetic pace under the leadership of Xi Jinping, putting pressure on the United States and its Pacific allies to keep pace.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
-
In addition to Hermitage Farm, Laura Lee Brown and Wilson, who also founded the 21c Museum Hotel chain, have put more than 2,400 acres of land in agriculture conservation easements in Oldham County.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Campton, New Hampshire, is also attracting travelers to New England with a mix of snowy outdoor adventures and seclusion for rest and relaxation.—
Lydia Price,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation at Mayakoba You’ll find many ways to reset across the property’s deeply restorative spas.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Mineo received an Academy Award nomination for his role in Rebel Without a Cause, becoming the second youngest Academy Award nominee, before earning a second nomination for his role in the 1960 historical drama Exodus.—
Skyler Trepel,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Quinto's on-screen bestie Tamberla Perry channeled Nichelle Nichols as Uhura while Quinto channeled — well, himself, on a Halloween episode of the medical drama.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Through seven games, Mahomes has gotten off to one of his best starts in recent memory.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, who became the ninth player in NHL history to score 1,700 points, said the team found out about the fall after the game.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Xi will not stop China’s use of widespread economic subsidies or alter the other policies that have flooded American and allied markets with its goods.—
Mira Rapp-Hooper,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
-
The project aims to build a research base on the Moon for use by participating countries by the early 2030s.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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