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 interplay between heat and meth is one of the reasons the Maricopa County Department of Public Health broadened its internal definition of drug deaths in 2024 to include any death where drug toxicity was a contributing factor. — Josh Katz, New York Times, 15 July 2026

She is fascinated by the interplay between gender, money and power. — Meredith Moore, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

His interest in the interplay between literature, history, and medical practice informs his fiction. — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026

Blue, light brown, and black were the stars from head to toe, letting the interplay of textures do the rest. — María Diez, Glamour, 5 July 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