play the game

phrase

: to act according to a code or set of standards

Examples of play the game in a Sentence

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.
Among the greatest of his gifts was playing the game forever as a child. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 The concourse at the stadium is packed with people standing and watching TVs playing the game, adding to the sweltering heat. The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026 The problem, however, was that Messi was even better, on his way to winning his first Ballon d’Or and playing the game, or at least seeing it, in the future. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026 Getting a digital copy of a game works simply by inserting a compatible disc and installing and playing the game. Tom Warren, The Verge, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for play the game

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Play the game.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20the%20game. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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