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.
For the first time ever, astronomers have captured two distinct X-ray views of an interstellar comet, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the interplay between a visitor from beyond our solar system and solar wind. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 18 Dec. 2025 Early exposure to complex investment banking operations during an economic crisis taught him the interplay between strategy, execution, and adaptability. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025 The Treasury market continues to reprice in response to the Federal Reserve's quarter-point rate cut, pledge to buy short-term debt to stabilize money markets and some dovish-seeming commentary about the 2026 interplay of economic growth, productivity and rates. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025 Crowe’s interplay with the actors who play the other Nazis held in the Nuremberg penitentiary foregrounds the lie that Germany’s greatest mistake was not being meaner. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 11 Dec. 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 23 Dec. 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
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