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
Various possible factors are at play, said Lim.
—
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
There are motivating factors at play that make DiGregorio and Haugsjaa continue this treacherous and invigorating pursuit.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
The greens at play in this piece are grounded and welcoming, the perfect segue into the rest of your very cozy, curated home.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026
All sorts of politics are at play here.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for at play
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.
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
There are motivating factors at play that make DiGregorio and Haugsjaa continue this treacherous and invigorating pursuit.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
The greens at play in this piece are grounded and welcoming, the perfect segue into the rest of your very cozy, curated home.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026
All sorts of politics are at play here.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 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 11 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
