interplay

noun

in·​ter·​play ˈin-tər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: interaction
the interplay of opposing forces
interplay intransitive verb

Examples of interplay in a Sentence

the interplay between the old and the new enjoys the interplay of three very different flavors
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
With all the action packed into a 24-hour period, the film explores religion, sexuality, death, racial oppression, the origins of the blues and the interplay of white, Native American and Black culture in American music and identity. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026 The interplay between them flows naturally as if no camera is present. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026 The spontaneity and interplay traditionally valued in rock does not figure into Zeisig’s musical style or choice of collaborators. Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026 The complex interplay of tides, sediment, shorelines and salinity is, by its nature, an extremely fluid situation. Patrick Sisson, Scientific American, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interplay

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interplay was in 1862

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interplay. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

interplay

noun
in·​ter·​play ˈint-ər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: mutual action or influence : interaction
interplay
ˌint-ər-ˈplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
ˈint-ər-ˌplā
verb

More from Merriam-Webster on interplay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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