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
To more capably play the role of a big Hollywood director, Frank has a drink in Sritala’s courtyard.
—
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
Bode is the first wheelchair user to play the role and her stellar performance has inspired casting directors for the Broadway version to follow suit by casting from within the disability community.
—Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Shane will play the role of Social Media Girlie in the hit comedy’s fourth season, which will premiere on Max on April 10 at 9 p.m. ET.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025
Or that Watson as of Monday night, was shooting 3-pointers at a better clip (37.1%), averaging more points (8.3), more steals (0.8) and more blocks (1.3) than Bruce Brown?
Barring injury, Russell Westbrook is shaping up to play the role of Brucey B in the postseason, for better or for worse.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the role
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Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
Bode is the first wheelchair user to play the role and her stellar performance has inspired casting directors for the Broadway version to follow suit by casting from within the disability community.
—Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Shane will play the role of Social Media Girlie in the hit comedy’s fourth season, which will premiere on Max on April 10 at 9 p.m. ET.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025
Or that Watson as of Monday night, was shooting 3-pointers at a better clip (37.1%), averaging more points (8.3), more steals (0.8) and more blocks (1.3) than Bruce Brown?
Barring injury, Russell Westbrook is shaping up to play the role of Brucey B in the postseason, for better or for worse.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 2025.
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