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
Why not get old motherf---ers like me to play the role?
—
Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
The auctions play the role of an intermediary, balancing the anticipated demand for electricity from utilities with the power available from various energy producers, like natural gas plants or solar or wind farms.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
Host Alan Cumming selects certain players to play the role of the Traitors, while the rest of the contestants are Faithfuls.
—Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Through some meticulous reporting, and interviews with Hunt himself, Jeff recounts an astounding story of one man's determination to play the role of a space traveler without actually being one.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the role
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Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
The auctions play the role of an intermediary, balancing the anticipated demand for electricity from utilities with the power available from various energy producers, like natural gas plants or solar or wind farms.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
Host Alan Cumming selects certain players to play the role of the Traitors, while the rest of the contestants are Faithfuls.
—Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Through some meticulous reporting, and interviews with Hunt himself, Jeff recounts an astounding story of one man's determination to play the role of a space traveler without actually being one.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 28 Dec. 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 2 Feb. 2026.
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