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.
Jaime resists Colby at first — not for long, really — after which, their physical interplay is presented with her pleasure as the priority. Peter Debruge, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026 These individuals argue that the more likely reality is that there are multiple factors — developmental, functional, social, historical — that interplay in its origin. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 Still, the interplay isn’t the source of The Return of the Durutti Column’s magic, as wonderful as those moments can be. Brad Shoup, Pitchfork, 24 Jan. 2026 Its diverse, otherworldly landscapes are the result of millennia of interplay between fire and ice. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 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 2 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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