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
John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
In a statement, Tomich said the New Lenox Fire Protection District is committed to promoting emotional resilience within the department and the community, and said Willie will play a pivotal part.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
And the tragedy of the play is the question left unanswered.
—John Haskell, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
And after 14 seasons, the Honor Bowl will not be played this season.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
In a statement, Tomich said the New Lenox Fire Protection District is committed to promoting emotional resilience within the department and the community, and said Willie will play a pivotal part.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
Thirty of his original dresses will be exhibited in a separate Hudson Yards venue, where the play’s afterparty will also be held — for ticket holders only.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
And the tragedy of the play is the question left unanswered.
—John Haskell, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 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
-
Manicured gardens and a dreamy courtyard across 10 acres make the perfect backdrop for croquet and lounging by the estate pool, while rooms feature Juliette balconies, terraces, bold wallpapers, and heirloom furniture.—
Amanda Ogle,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Aug. 2025
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In other images from the set, Kidman posed alongside her sister, natural curls still intact and lounged on a bench wearing a blue and white striped button-down top and white pants, with her natural curls hanging off the side of the bench.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
20 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
-
After Domingue removed Panaro from the block, Reilly put Rylie Jeffries up for eviction as a replacement.—
Dina Kaur,
AZCentral.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Powell is also expected to announce a policy shift that could keep interest rates higher over the longer term as officials put more emphasis on keeping inflation contained.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
22 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
-
That gravitational relationship between herself and drama has carried over from her high-school days into her professional life, the Grammy winner says.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
25 Aug. 2025
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In his director’s statement, the filmmaker reveals that the historical drama mines from his own family’s trauma, linking the effects that both the holocaust and the rise in communism in Hungary had on him and his loved ones.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The pandemic took care of that, and the game was rescheduled for Saturday when the schools meet for the first time.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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All charitable proceeds from the game's 50/50 raffle will go towards Uecker’s favorite charities.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Military officials are sketching out a plan that could deploy a few thousand National Guard members, with the use of active-duty forces also under discussion.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Dyer was using the money for his personal use and was behind on paying the woman’s assisted living facility monthly cost, police said.—
Jennifer Rodriguez,
Kansas City Star,
24 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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