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.
Her paintings are a delight to look at, with pleasure arising from the complex interplay of colors—say, black against red against orange—or subtle variations in adjoining geometric shapes. Jillian Steinhauer, New Yorker, 27 June 2025 In conclusion, whether your teenager truly needs a driver’s license depends on a complex interplay of independence, responsibility, and evolving transportation options. Selika Josiah Talbott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Monochrome doesn’t have to mean identical swatches—slight shifts in tone and an interplay of patterns, like gingham or small-scale florals, can create dimension and prevent the room from feeling one-note. Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 21 June 2025 Many of my engineering classes were concerned with analyzing the ways even simple structures could mediate and marshal a stunningly complex interplay of invisible forces. Literary Hub, 16 June 2025 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 3 Jul. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!