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.
The aim of this was to determine how magnetic stress accumulates in such systems, but future modeling will be needed to determine how magnetic interplay plays a role in the final moments of a neutron star merger. Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026 My personal vote is for Mala Mía by Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera — a short but impactful five-track EP that blends Tex-Mex swagger and SoCal grit over heartfelt themes and sierreño guitar interplay. Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 30 Jan. 2026 The behavior of Bitcoin within the market manifests in the form of the Bitcoin price and is shaped by a dynamic interplay of scarcity and supply dynamics, demand and adoption (both retail and institutional), macroeconomic and global‑financial factors, and market sentiment & liquidity. William Jones, Ascend Agency, 30 Jan. 2026 The interplay between these elements contributes to Bitcoin’s short-term volatility, but examining it in close detail can help observers gauge its more steady long-term value. Ethan Stone, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 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 9 Feb. 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

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