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
Pleasantries were exchanged, and though the pair were evidently in a showdown to play the role of Tex, there was no reason to not share some love — may the best Tex win, and all that.
—
Jay Glennie, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
Here the AfDB could play the role of truth-teller, helping its members distinguish between credible, fit-for-purpose nuclear ambitions and fantasy.
—W. Gyude Moore, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Yoo will play the role of a police inspector who witnesses the incident.
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
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
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.
Jay Glennie, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
Here the AfDB could play the role of truth-teller, helping its members distinguish between credible, fit-for-purpose nuclear ambitions and fantasy.
—W. Gyude Moore, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Yoo will play the role of a police inspector who witnesses the incident.
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
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
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 7 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share