1
as in to recreate
to engage in activity for amusement
told her son that he needed some time to run and play in the yard after his hard work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to perform
to present a portrayal or performance of
played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to pose (as)
to pretend to be (what one is not) in appearance or behavior
stop playing the innocent, because I know that you were behind that prank
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to lounge
to spend time in aimless activity
just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to manipulate
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
this is how we're going to play the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself
it's such a delight to watch the children in their play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in drama
a written work in which the story is told through speech and action that is intended to be acted out on stage
we'll be putting on a school play using that stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in game
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously
I didn't mean to insult anyone, for it was all just play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in use
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose
the host's sense of humor was obviously in play during the awards ceremony
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
the guy at the bar made an unusually creative play to get her phone number
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of play
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2025
The technology is expected to play a great role in large-scale storage systems, hydrogen storage, portable and mobile power sources, and specialized energy applications.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2025
Along with promoting play, dolls like these can help children feel less alone and boost their self-confidence.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
Fans of Tovey and co-star Jonathan Groff, who played Kevin’s eventual boyfriend and the series’ lead, have called upon HBO for a revival.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2025
The technology is expected to play a great role in large-scale storage systems, hydrogen storage, portable and mobile power sources, and specialized energy applications.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
In 78 coverage snaps through two games, the Cowboys have run a zone concept on 76 of those plays.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2025
Along with promoting play, dolls like these can help children feel less alone and boost their self-confidence.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Verb
-
One of its investigators had spent weeks undercover working and traveling with ShowMe Tigers, watching the animals being forced to perform tricks, said Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, in a statement Sunday.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Tigers, which toured the country performing with the animals.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
During an April cruise on MSC World America, passengers lounged in brown and cream chairs in the Yacht Club's Top Sail Lounge while sunlight poured in through floor-to-ceiling windows.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
-
This newly designed, two-story space will celebrate classic California Craftsman design and will be a place for lounging with a good book, relaxing with a glass of wine or admiring the hotel’s Great Hall lobby below.—
Jessica Peralta,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The twilight of empire was also a time of conspiracy theories about international Jewish cabals, said to manipulate power through money and shadowy networks in order to rule the world.—
Ian Buruma,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Wood said that the Google is manipulating the market in a way that is antithetical to free market competition.—
Michael Liedtke,
Fortune,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Aztecs took an early lead in Pullman two weeks ago before Washington State ran off 29 straight points, including 16 in less than five minutes late in the first half to put the game away.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Two goals and an assist from the Argentine were enough to secure back-to-back wins for Miami and put it on the brink of a place in the playoffs and still within a chance of retaining the Supporters’ Shield.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
21 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
However, research shows that deep belly breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which elicits the body’s relaxation response.—
Juli Fraga,
Time,
23 Sep. 2025
-
There’s a kitchenette stocked with a Nespresso machine, a deep soaking bathtub for relaxation, and sweet outdoor terrace perfect for watching the sunset or indulging in happy hour.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The project has been described as a comedic version of Falling Down, the 1993 drama directed by Joel Schumacher that starred Michael Douglas as a man who hits his breaking point while trying to get to his daughter’s birthday.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Sep. 2025
-
The drama gave the streaming platform its best premiere to date, though no data was shared publicly.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
One game closer to elimination.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
23 Sep. 2025
-
The Stars will be coming to visit on Thursday night for the Wild’s first home game of the preseason and their first game since the name change at what’s now known as Grand Casino Arena.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
With a thoughtful use of color, Wezel constructs a visual world that feels both alienating and intensely sensorial, like a vivid dream uncomfortably close to reality.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
24 Sep. 2025
-
The use of nuclear power in space has been mixed.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 25 Sep. 2025.
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