role-play

verb

ˈrōl-ˌplā How to pronounce role-play (audio)
-ˈplā
variants or less commonly roleplay
role-played also roleplayed; role-playing also roleplaying; role-plays also roleplays
Synonyms of role-playnext

transitive verb

1
: to act out the role of
2
: to represent in action
… students were asked to role-play the thoughts and feelings of each character …R. G. Lambert

intransitive verb

: to play a role
role-play noun
or less commonly roleplay
plural role-plays also roleplays
I practice this with student social workers through case studies and role-play. Kevin Brazant, quoted in psychologytoday.com

Examples of role-play in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Managers even do live role-play scenarios with professional actors who play the part of their team members. Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 On day three, participants are dropped into Toy Tycoon, an immersive, role-playing strategy game designed to simulate the pressures of running a toy company. Preston Fore, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026 The Pistons have thrived as their high draft picks have matured and general manager Trajan Langdon has filled out the roster around them with capable, role-playing veterans. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 Baldur’s Gate 3 is a role-playing game released in 2023. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for role-play

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of role-play was in 1949

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Role-play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role-play. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

role-play

verb
ˈrōl-ˌplā
-ˈplā
: to act out the role of
role-play an interviewer

Medical Definition

role-play

transitive verb

intransitive verb

: to play a role

More from Merriam-Webster on role-play

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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