passion play
noun
often capitalized 1st P
: a dramatic representation of the scenes connected with the passion and crucifixion of Jesus
Examples of passion play in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That humor is unexpected because the story is a bit of a passion play with the trial, suffering and ...
—
Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2023
The match was great theater, a passion play lasting more than three hours.
—John Branch, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2022
The passion play has three storytelling forms: narrative scenes with dialogue, oratorio-like songs performed by a large choir and tableaux vivants of Old Testament moments.
—Michael Paulson Roderick Aichinger, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2022
The Iranian passion play is a recurring motif, both on the stage and in the streets.
—Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post, 1 Dec. 2022
But even this was just part of the build-up to what ended up being a full QAnon passion play, as the rally culminated with Trump fulminating—reciting a series of grievances over swelling strings.
—Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 19 Sep. 2022
The outcry set a pattern that has been repeated with depressing regularity in the decades since, a kind of passion play that entrenches resentments on every side.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2022
Velázquez himself has seen the passion play in years past.
—Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 14 Apr. 2022
Investing your time in a passion play for something meaningful may resonate with a potential employer.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 6 June 2022
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Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2023
The match was great theater, a passion play lasting more than three hours.
—John Branch, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2022
The passion play has three storytelling forms: narrative scenes with dialogue, oratorio-like songs performed by a large choir and tableaux vivants of Old Testament moments.
—Michael Paulson Roderick Aichinger, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2022
The Iranian passion play is a recurring motif, both on the stage and in the streets.
—Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post, 1 Dec. 2022
But even this was just part of the build-up to what ended up being a full QAnon passion play, as the rally culminated with Trump fulminating—reciting a series of grievances over swelling strings.
—Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 19 Sep. 2022
The outcry set a pattern that has been repeated with depressing regularity in the decades since, a kind of passion play that entrenches resentments on every side.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2022
Velázquez himself has seen the passion play in years past.
—Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 14 Apr. 2022
Investing your time in a passion play for something meaningful may resonate with a potential employer.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 6 June 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'passion play.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1850, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near passion play
Cite this Entry
“Passion play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passion%20play. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
passion play
nounoften capitalized 1st P
: a play representing scenes connected with Jesus' suffering and crucifixion
More from Merriam-Webster on passion play
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about passion play
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