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
Vick had a career-high 540 yards rushing in 1988 and played only four NFL seasons. Jim Reineking, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025 How Nvidia plays export whack-a-mole Culture champion. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
Tannahill’s plays include Late Company and Botticelli in the Fire. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 May 2025 Salovey, who is directing the play this year, works with Producing Director Becca Myers, Sarah Price-Keating and longtime La Jollan Ali Viterbi to interview women, craft original monologues based on their stories and bring in professional actresses to portray them. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Verb
  • At a suitable moment, the charger performs a USB PD Data Role (DR) Swap.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2025
  • With the results of this simulation capability, farmers would be able to predict which specific plant varieties will perform best in their fields and quickly determine the best solutions when faced with challenges such as extreme weather.
    Matt Alderton, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For lounging at home or casual outings, grab this soft Hanes hoodie that’s marked down to $13 with double discounts.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In another carousel, the beauty vlogger is seen lounging with a cup of coffee, and in another pic, smiling wearing a pair of shades and a bikini on the sand.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The book’s vivid digital art, collaged from her own photographs and manipulated in Photoshop, helped children connect with science and nature in new ways.
    Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • While Henry initially tries to spin his behavior as a benevolent act of kindness, Barnes effectively makes the case that Henry was merely manipulated by a charming sociopath.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Both leaders tend to put their feet in their mouths.
    Judy Berman, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The fest in the Czech spa town has earned a reputation as one of the biggest summer celebrations of film in Central Europe, putting the spotlight on new releases from the region and far beyond, along with highlights of the film festival circuit from the past year.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Now lazy-river fans know the No. 1 place to experience relaxation on the water: Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025
  • There’s plenty at Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán besides the spa to aid in your relaxation.
    Johanna Read, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The producers cue up flashbacks to Kenya’s 2018 domestic violence PSA, reminding us that for all the glam and drama, these women are real — and relatable.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Talk a little bit about the drama of that, how that works behind the scenes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Heat came up short in the first two games of the first-round Eastern Conference series.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • However, there was some redesign for better articulation because characters in the game are straight-limbed.
    Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • They can be pulled by hand, mowed down in lawns and treated with broadleaf weed-control herbicides made for use as labeled for areas of your landscape.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
  • This Chromebook features Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 4.0 for seamless syncing with your favorite devices, and is lightweight but durable for on-the-go use.
    StackCommerce Team (Sponsored), PC Magazine, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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