interplay

noun

in·​ter·​play ˈin-tər-ˌplā 

: interaction

the interplay of opposing forces

interplay

ˌin-tər-ˈplā  ˈin-tər-ˌplā 

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

The album earned widespread critical acclaim for its intricate arrangements and the distinctive interplay between Lloyd’s and Verlaine’s guitars. — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2026

The band’s sound—grounded in the driving, elaborate guitar interplay between Verlaine and Lloyd—was a sharp detour from their contemporaries’ three-chord melodies. — Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026

That interplay between heritage and individual expression is also reflected in the pop-up’s presentation, where pieces from the maison’s patrimony collection sit alongside current designs. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026

The whole house climaxes with a kaleidoscopic pièce de résistance at the top of the dome, where a large skylight rests, revealing an interplay of two sets of the red-orange ribs. — Web Behrens, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for interplay

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

interplay

noun

in·​ter·​play ˈint-ər-ˌplā 

: mutual action or influence : interaction

interplay

ˌint-ər-ˈplā 

ˈint-ər-ˌplā

verb