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 again, self-defense is properly understood to involve a threat that is much more immediate than anything that's at play now.
—
Rebecca Schneid, Time, 21 Feb. 2026
Doctors may also try to determine if food allergies, drug allergies, or infections are at play, which would make someone's case acute rather than chronic.
—Zia Sherrell, Health, 20 Feb. 2026
There are many factors at play, but investing in the right tools is one of them.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Some suspect there’s a grand conspiracy at play here.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
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Rebecca Schneid, Time, 21 Feb. 2026
Doctors may also try to determine if food allergies, drug allergies, or infections are at play, which would make someone's case acute rather than chronic.
—Zia Sherrell, Health, 20 Feb. 2026
There are many factors at play, but investing in the right tools is one of them.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Some suspect there’s a grand conspiracy at play here.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 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 25 Feb. 2026.
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