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.
Front-foot defending and slick attacking interplay, especially on the left flank, has been the blueprint over the past few seasons, but there are signs of evolution. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025 When Browning was directing and producing Freaks, then, the circus sideshow was broadly culturally legible and in interplay with cinema as an evolving part of variety entertainment. JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025 This interplay between exploration and espionage continues today, even when the surface of the world has been almost completely explored. Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025 One trademark as always is the vocal interplay between Þórhallsson and Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdottir. Brett Milano, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!