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

Touring successfully is a goal for nearly every working artist, but the separation that goes with it makes that interplay between the people and the pocketbook even more pronounced. — Tom Roland, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2026

Major universities such as Harvard, Berkeley, Emory, and others have launched programs, conferences, studies, and institutes aimed at examining the interplay and growth of psychedelics and religion. — Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

The nonverbal interplay between selves that is so important in human therapy was palpably absent. — Steven Barrie-Anthony, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026

Our recent retirement-spending research explores the interplay between current market conditions and safe withdrawal rates. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 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