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
With New York's entire season riding on this game, the rookie pitcher has the chance play the role of hero again.
—
Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
The Panthers are stalking dynastic status, and 31 teams — especially Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers, who have lost to Florida in the past two Cup Final series — will look to play the role of spoiler.
—Rob Rossi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
To play the role, White spent hours studying Springsteen—listening to his memoir on tape, watching old interviews—but knew to avoid imitation.
—Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Strahovski will play the role of County State Attorney, Delaney.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the role
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Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
The Panthers are stalking dynastic status, and 31 teams — especially Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers, who have lost to Florida in the past two Cup Final series — will look to play the role of spoiler.
—Rob Rossi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
To play the role, White spent hours studying Springsteen—listening to his memoir on tape, watching old interviews—but knew to avoid imitation.
—Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Strahovski will play the role of County State Attorney, Delaney.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Sep. 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 17 Oct. 2025.
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