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.
The female gaze Few women photographed Monroe, and there’s a stark contrast between Arnold’s naturalistic, candid style and the more flirtatious interplay of her male counterparts. Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 3 June 2026 Modeling the interplay between gravity, magnetic fields and shockwaves over millions of years, allows researchers to study processes that are otherwise difficult to observe directly. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 1 June 2026 The interplay between genetic predisposition and early experience is where the story becomes genuinely complex. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 However, in hypertext environment, the interplay of modes has been accelerated and intensified by technological developments that allow new multimodal configurations to appear. Carmen Daniela Maier, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 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 7 Jun. 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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