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
Sepsis is a heterogenous syndrome with close to 200 different symptoms possibly at play.
—
Michael L. Millenson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Rosado has alleged that politics were at play, suggesting that Tomás Regalado was motivated to get Cabrera out of the race so that his son could run instead.
—Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Most of the report’s findings have to do with fiscal and governance issues, but school staffing is also at play.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
But anyone who sticks around for long enough will notice a more insurgent teaching at play: build your identity, guard it, and do it on purpose.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for at play
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Michael L. Millenson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Rosado has alleged that politics were at play, suggesting that Tomás Regalado was motivated to get Cabrera out of the race so that his son could run instead.
—Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Most of the report’s findings have to do with fiscal and governance issues, but school staffing is also at play.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
But anyone who sticks around for long enough will notice a more insurgent teaching at play: build your identity, guard it, and do it on purpose.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 21 May 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 25 May. 2025.
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