play 1 of 2

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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

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as in to put
to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event figuring that she had little to lose, she played her last few bucks on the state lottery

Synonyms & Similar Words

play

2 of 2

noun

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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

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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

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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

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun play differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of play are fun, game, jest, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.

pretended to strangle his brother in play

In what contexts can fun take the place of play?

While the synonyms fun and play are close in meaning, fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How do game and sport relate to one another, in the sense of play?

Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.

made game of their poor relations

When can jest be used instead of play?

While in some cases nearly identical to play, jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

When would sport be a good substitute for play?

Although the words sport and play have much in common, sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of play
Verb
The boombox can be connected to any analog audio source via a 3.5mm AUX input for playing music from a radio tuner, turntable or even a MiniDisc. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 That company has played a pivotal role in crafting some of the most successful and lauded campaigns in independent film. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 15 May 2025
Noun
That has been the hardest thing about doing this play. Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 4 May 2025 Injuries were rife across the roster, ineffective play from veterans was a real concern and the goaltending was a question mark. Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Verb
  • This has forced the library system to pay a contractor $1,500 per month to power-wash the area outside the branch twice a week during the morning hours after previously relying on in-house personnel to perform the task.
    Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 23 May 2025
  • Irsay was a musician himself, as the lead vocalist and frontman of the Jim Irsay Band, which performed shows across the country with guest performers including John Mellencamp and Ann Wilson.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • He could also be seen climbing and lounging in trees placed inside his room.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 21 May 2025
  • The group exchanged stories and lounged until 3 a.m. Jordan Collins bought a ticket for storytelling at Jai after hearing about it on Inm’s social media.
    Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Life-changing events, including the loss of a spouse, early onset dementia or another medical issue, can trigger changes in the way someone would react to anyone who is experienced at manipulating people to part with their money.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • The price that millions of Americans covered by private insurance pay for drugs is even harder for the agency to manipulate.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Today, one extraordinary dining concept can put an entire region on the map for our clientele.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • The last time Florida put a zero on the board through three periods?
    Adam Beasley, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Here, guests will find nail therapy rooms with zero-gravity chairs, ​​a hydro therapy room, a med-spa room, and a relaxation room.
    Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
  • Standout details include the 80-foot yacht’s twin-access swim platform that features the brand’s largest space for tender docking, watersports, and guest relaxation.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has a lot of unresolved drama to explore.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 21 May 2025
  • And while TikTok might be full of lip gloss dupe drama and fast trends, Juicy Tubes is the real deal.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • An’s game of choice, Apex Legends, is a particularly taxing one.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025
  • The best players in the history of the game won at the highest level, with deep playoff runs and titles along the way.
    Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Their approach blends non-invasive technology with ease of use.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Other cases may stem from hormone changes, infections, medication side effects, substance use, or underlying health conditions.1 Hormonal Changes Hormonal shifts, like those that happen during your period, pregnancy, or menopause, can leave you feeling run down.
    Brandi Jones, Health, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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