interplay

noun

in·​ter·​play ˈin-tər-ˌplā 

: interaction

the interplay of opposing forces

interplay

ˌin-tər-ˈplā  ˈin-tər-ˌplā 

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

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

Key Takeaways In OSA, the complex interplay between intermittent oxygen deprivation, oxidative stress, and sympathetic nervous system overactivity generates a vicious cycle that weakens the immune system and fosters low-grade inflammation. —Daniel Combs, Verywell Health, 9 Mar. 2026

His wizardry was displayed Sunday in fastidious massaging of volumes, sonorities and interplays, always with an undercurrent of urgency. —Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for interplay

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

interplay

noun

in·​ter·​play ˈint-ər-ˌplā 

: mutual action or influence : interaction

interplay

ˌint-ər-ˈplā 

ˈint-ər-ˌplā

verb