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.
Pianist Lex Korten and trumpeter Adam O’Farrill open freely, crash landing into the suite with cold, brooding interplay as opposed to the straightforward funk vamp of Roach’s version. Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026 The result is a movement whose surfaces absorb and redirect light in alternating intensities, oscillating in an almost alchemical interplay of matte depth and metallic sheen as the wrist moves. Richard Mille Contributor, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Michael Olise — France/Bayern Munich (-1) Unfortunate to slip here after technically registering his third assist of the tournament for Mbappe’s screamer, and curling a delightful chip off the Iraq crossbar following some very slick French interplay. Liam Twomey, New York Times, 24 June 2026 How that is playing out in terms of stylistic difference will have to be weighed by bootleg-favoring Dylanologists who are more attuned to the subtleties of band interplay. Chris Willman, Variety, 21 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Interplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interplay. Accessed 3 Jul. 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

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