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
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Recent Examples of play
Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Eavesdrop on conversations with Rohmer and Jacques Rivette in the Cahiers office, the clack of dueling typewriters soundtracking the camaraderie, and play voyeur as everyone’s hero Roberto Rosselini stops by to address the troops and pocket finger sandwiches on the way out.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
The play has been widely produced nationwide and internationally has received productions in London, Manila, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, and others.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
The Blue Jays’ optional workout consisted of little more than kids playing catch in the outfield.
—Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Eavesdrop on conversations with Rohmer and Jacques Rivette in the Cahiers office, the clack of dueling typewriters soundtracking the camaraderie, and play voyeur as everyone’s hero Roberto Rosselini stops by to address the troops and pocket finger sandwiches on the way out.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
There has been some good QB play, however.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
The play has been widely produced nationwide and internationally has received productions in London, Manila, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, and others.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Verb
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Directed by British filmmaker and frequent collaborator Nick Wickham (Madonna, Shakira) the film will chronicle the album’s release date unveiling at the intimate Troxy nightclub in London, where the goth rock legends performed the entire record for the first and only time to date.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
3 Nov. 2025
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When the immune system ages, immune cells become less able to perform crucial functions like fighting infection, destroying cancer cells and healing wounds, according to Rhodes, who is also the CEO and co-founder of Mimio Health in San Francisco.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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People looking to indulge in the lap of luxury for the day can lounge at hotel pools without a stay and now, day passes for hotel spas are becoming more common.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
3 Nov. 2025
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The penthouse’s terraces, designed in collaboration with Gunn Landscape Architecture, offer distinct spaces for lounging and dining with a fully outfitted outdoor kitchen.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As people increasingly turn to such bots for emotional support and life advice, recent incidents have spotlighted their potential to manipulate vulnerable people by facilitating a false sense of closeness or care.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
31 Oct. 2025
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The face-down between a pitcher and a batter, especially in a World Series, has enough tension without needing to be manipulated by outside music.—
Alison Weinflash,
Rolling Stone,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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China has been building the world’s largest navy, launching high-tech warships at a frenetic pace under the leadership of Xi Jinping, putting pressure on the United States and its Pacific allies to keep pace.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
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In addition to Hermitage Farm, Laura Lee Brown and Wilson, who also founded the 21c Museum Hotel chain, have put more than 2,400 acres of land in agriculture conservation easements in Oldham County.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
For visitors seeking rest and relaxation, spend an afternoon at Roosevelt Baths & Spa, a hydrotherapy spa that uses mineral water from the nearby springs to provide guests with innovative wellness treatments.—
Cat Sposato,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
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Residents or guests who are more excited about rest and relaxation won’t be disappointed either.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The race came with some drama as a late caution sent the finale into overtime.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
-
But there was a moment of minor drama in the first half.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The Jays were two outs away from the title when Miguel Rojas hit a solo home run in the ninth to tie the game at 4-4.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
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Another Dodger Japanese pitching star, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was the series' MVP after winning three games, also spoke in English.—
Steve Futterman,
NPR,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that a substantial reduction in fossil fuel use will be necessary to curb global heating, with the burning of coal, oil and gas identified as the chief driver of the climate crisis.—
Sam Meredith,Dan Murphy,
CNBC,
5 Nov. 2025
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This gave Gates, from the use of his private jet alone, the same carbon footprint as a small town in Burundi.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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