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
But with new geopolitical dynamics at play, the ending might be unpredictable.
—
Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
There are so many elements at play for head coaches that go beyond how to get your nickel on a free run to the quarterback in a critical moment.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
That’s the Elvis factor at play.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Was there a regional bias at play?
—Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for at play
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Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
There are so many elements at play for head coaches that go beyond how to get your nickel on a free run to the quarterback in a critical moment.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
That’s the Elvis factor at play.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Was there a regional bias at play?
—Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
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 12 Jan. 2026.
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