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
Turn up the pressure by asking a friend or peer to play the role of interviewer.
—
Carmine Gallo, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
The Herman’s Head actress originally auditioned to play the role of Ross's (David Schwimmer) future love, Rachel Green, back in 1994, but with her second pregnancy in full swing, fate had other plans, leading her to the role of Ross’s ex-wife Carol.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 June 2025
Wilson isnt' the only actor to play Lucky when Jackson wasn't in the role, as Jacob Young and Greg Vaughan have also stepped in to play the role during Jackson's absence.
—Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 6 June 2025
So, therefore this one-micron dimension space will potentially carry in it some long gravity waves which would play the role of dark matter.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the role
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.
Carmine Gallo, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
The Herman’s Head actress originally auditioned to play the role of Ross's (David Schwimmer) future love, Rachel Green, back in 1994, but with her second pregnancy in full swing, fate had other plans, leading her to the role of Ross’s ex-wife Carol.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 June 2025
Wilson isnt' the only actor to play Lucky when Jackson wasn't in the role, as Jacob Young and Greg Vaughan have also stepped in to play the role during Jackson's absence.
—Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 6 June 2025
So, therefore this one-micron dimension space will potentially carry in it some long gravity waves which would play the role of dark matter.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 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 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share