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
Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025
Stewart plays his son-in-law, while Gadiot will assume the part of a local police detective.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 7 Aug. 2025
Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Amenities: Free on-site parking, restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, pool and kid’s pool, beach access, dedicated kid’s play area
Editor’s tip: Don’t miss the sourdough breads and pastries baked fresh every morning courtesy of the hotel’s new bakery in town, Red Jane.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
Jacinto plays Eric, husband to Lohan’s character Anna.
—Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025
Stewart plays his son-in-law, while Gadiot will assume the part of a local police detective.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
Library patrons can check out kits with themes such as building, sensory, cars, active play and music.
—Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Amenities: Free on-site parking, restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, pool and kid’s pool, beach access, dedicated kid’s play area
Editor’s tip: Don’t miss the sourdough breads and pastries baked fresh every morning courtesy of the hotel’s new bakery in town, Red Jane.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Verb
-
When culture starts performing alignment instead of living it, most companies reach for fixes: tighter messaging, new values, more playbooks.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
While performing in Elmont, NY on Sept. 9 of that year, Tyler fractured his larynx, necessitating the postponement of shows on their Peace Out tour.—
Tyler Jenke,
Billboard,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This matching set has your back for everything from lounging and running errands to exhausting travel days.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
People.com,
10 Aug. 2025
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The cafe serves coffee drinks, sandwiches and other pastries to hungry customers lounging in its large outdoor patio.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Gerrymandering is when politicians manipulate district lines, dividing or grouping populations, to get an advantage.—
Larry Kaplow,
NPR,
18 Aug. 2025
-
This included reporting that the company manipulated vote counts, is owned by a company founded in Venezuela to rig elections for Hugo Chavez, is paid kickbacks to government officials who used its machines in swing states and was involved in voting irregularities in Texas in 2018.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Miller's efforts in her executive role and beyond speak to her dedication to helping drive Cincinnati's historic reduction in infant mortality in a model of care that puts moms at the center that's now being replicated across the state.—
Grace Tucker,
The Enquirer,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The lawsuit was filed days after state Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Middletown, said a legal challenge pending before Kentucky's Supreme Court over a bill passed by state legislators three years ago could also put the merger at risk.—
Lucas Aulbach,
The Courier-Journal,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
These 10 items help create a sanctuary that reduces stress and promotes relaxation.—
Jené Luciani Sena , Caitlyn Martyn
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Practicing answers, rehearsing entry and exit routines, and using relaxation techniques can help candidates present calmer faces during interviews.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Throughout all the dramas of daily life—the fender bender, the sleep regression, the surprise layoff—partners can start to feel trapped with each other.—
Olga Khazan,
The Atlantic,
13 Aug. 2025
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In the days leading up to the event, which was filmed in New York City on Tuesday, Aug. 12, there was online speculation about certain contestants potentially not showing up to address the drama and fallout from the season.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Strawberry hit his 252 home runs with the Mets in 1,109 games over eight seasons.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The 52-year-old teaches youth confidence, discipline and focus through the game of golf.—
DJ Siddiqi,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Its innovation platform, Loop, also reimagines packaging with reusable formats designed to last hundreds of uses.—
Alexander Kwapis,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
This year marks the test of new districtwide policies, like photo-ID badges for students, and new statewide laws, such as a ban on cellphone use during the school day.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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