at play
idiom
1
: in the act of playing
the sounds of children at play
2
: being something that helps produce or influence a result
Several issues are at play in determining the price of gasoline.
Examples of at play in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The aesthetics of film are also at play, Cooke added, with the unique colors and grains capturing something a smartphone could not.
—
Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
One of the main cases at play, V.O.S. Selections Inc. v. Trump, in which the CIT ruled in favor of the plaintiff, argues that Trump’s use of IEEPA goes beyond his presidential authority.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2025
This has all led some officials to conclude that much of the money still at play must go toward boosting capacity within the region’s strained shelter system.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
That’s a big chunk of time to be out of the classroom, so parents should take steps to address any underlying mental health issues that might be at play to help their kids avoid falling behind.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at play
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Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
One of the main cases at play, V.O.S. Selections Inc. v. Trump, in which the CIT ruled in favor of the plaintiff, argues that Trump’s use of IEEPA goes beyond his presidential authority.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2025
This has all led some officials to conclude that much of the money still at play must go toward boosting capacity within the region’s strained shelter system.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
That’s a big chunk of time to be out of the classroom, so parents should take steps to address any underlying mental health issues that might be at play to help their kids avoid falling behind.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at play
Cite this Entry
“At play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20play. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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