play the role
idiom
: to act the part of (a particular character) in a film, play, etc.
He often plays the role of the villain.
—often used figurativelyHe was playing the role of (the) gracious host.
Examples of play the role in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Will this group of contenders take care of business, or will some of these underdogs manage to play the role of spoiler this week?
—
Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025
Edgar-Jones will play the role of Elinor.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025
Jon Stewart then came out to play the role of Travolta.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
George will play the role of Marlow Stoner.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the role
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Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025
Edgar-Jones will play the role of Elinor.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025
Jon Stewart then came out to play the role of Travolta.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
George will play the role of Marlow Stoner.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the role
Cite this Entry
“Play the role.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20the%20role. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
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