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
Paul, who continues to play the role of boxing disruptor, now faces a name with legacy weight—even if that legacy has been complicated by inconsistency and inactivity.
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Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
The main Black character in the play is Belize, and when Henry was asked during the pandemic to do a virtual reading of Angels in America, he was asked to play the role.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for play the role
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Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
The main Black character in the play is Belize, and when Henry was asked during the pandemic to do a virtual reading of Angels in America, he was asked to play the role.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2025
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
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 May. 2025.
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