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 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 The 2025-26 Premier League season was a strange one — the bottom-half clubs were good, the top-half clubs were inconsistent, and there was a major focus on intensity and set pieces at the expense of interplay and creativity. Michael Cox, New York Times, 25 May 2026 Yet while the exterior may not win everyone over, the interior is where the Luce sets a new benchmark, not just for Ferrari but the industry, in regard to the balance of digital and analog interplay. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 25 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 6 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

More from Merriam-Webster on interplay

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster