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ply 1 of 3

noun

Definition of plynext
as in bias
an attitude that always favors one way of feeling or acting especially without considering any other possibilities since taking a ply to French burgundies, he's hardly even looked at anything else in the wine store

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ply

2 of 3

verb (1)

ˈplī How to pronounce ply (audio)
as in to exert
to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively she plied all of her charm and intelligence to convince everyone to volunteer as tutors

Synonyms & Similar Words

ply

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to weave
to cause to twine about one another two single yarns were plied together to get the fabric that smooth, firm feel

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ply
Noun
Its interior is finished in a choice of spruce or ply, with laminate flooring. — Adam Williams may 21, New Atlas, 21 May 2026 Most percale sheets are made with single-ply threads, which provides its signature crisp feel, and the pima cotton make up has longer fibers than regular cotton for a gentler feel on sensitive skin. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026
Verb
While Ferran headed to Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, veteran Lewandowski is now plying his trade in the MLS with the Chicago Fire. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Increases in the cost of living caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are further making solar panels—as well as electric boda bodas, the motorcycle taxis that ply East Africa’s city streets—more attractive to everyday people. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ply
  1. bias
  2. exert
  3. weave
  4. tendency
  5. use
  6. prejudice
  7. apply
  8. wield
Noun
  • While our new girl bias isn’t as strong as Victoria’s, having those two decades of backstory on her does give a leg up in terms of whose plight is easier to invest in.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The hiring manager’s standards stop living only in people’s heads and start living in the system, applied without misinterpretation or human bias.
    — Pradeep Prasana Kanagaraj, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of bias
Verb
  • Within this region are two major neural pathways, known as the direct and indirect pathways, which appear to exert opposing influences over which actions are expressed.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • But Warren Jeffs remains acknowledged as the current living prophet by his followers, and reports suggest that Jeffs continues to exert significant influence over his community even after his incarceration.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of exert
Verb
  • Elaine unravels that mystery, weaving together the way insurance companies’ coverage decisions have shaped how these medicines are used.
    — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Intricate leather weaves reinterpreted the brand’s classic bags and shoes, while denim, crystal embroidery and ostrich-effect materials added pizzazz to the lineup.
    — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of weave
Noun
  • The perfect cup of coffee with Kevin Costner After reading prior interviews Costner had done with other outlets, one thing felt surprising given the actor's tendency toward the ruggedly handsome, cowboy archetype.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Not as praiseworthy is a tendency to dislike being told what to do, and in proving a point, to not only cut off their nose to spite their face but to lop off their heads as well.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of tendency
Verb
  • By using a dedicated promotional code, readers can unlock the full October Prime Day discount immediately, alongside an additional $20 off the sale price.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Residents were evacuated from 85 homes in the village of Whelford near the base on Sunday, and army bomb-disposal experts used a robot to examine three white vans.
    — ALASTAIR GRANT, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of use
Noun
  • Previously, Electrek reported that Black Tesla workers at the facility were subjected to racial prejudice by way of wage discrimination, segregation, and racial slurs.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The Justice Department later dismissed its criminal case against Martinez with prejudice.
    — María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of prejudice
Verb
  • Kelly opened by reminding both sides that he's required to apply case precedent.
    — JOCELYN NOVECK, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Carter reasoned that the arbitration was sufficient, Moore received a fair hearing, and the arbitrator correctly applied the relevant standard to the facts.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of apply
Verb
  • Police in Florida released tense body camera video showing the moment a sword-wielding burglary suspect was tased by deputies after allegedly refusing to drop the weapon.
    — Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Still, the agency’s critics pack police commission meetings each week to argue for removing police from such calls, saying that officers are too quick to fire on people — particularly those wielding knives.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of wield

Browse Nearby Words

plutonian
ply
plying
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Cite this Entry

“Ply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ply. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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