Thesaurus

play

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of play

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 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 for play

Words Related to play

dabble,
trifle

delight,
please

Near Antonyms for play

2 to present a portrayal or performance of

played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic

Synonyms for play

Words Related to play

star (in)

coact,
costar

3 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 for play

Words Related to play

perform,
portray

4 to spend time in aimless activity

just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive

Synonyms for play

Words Related to play

Near Antonyms for play

5 to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently

this is how we're going to play the situation

Synonyms for play

Words Related to play

Phrases Synonymous with play

Near Antonyms for play

6 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 for play

bet,
gamble,
go,
lay,
put,
stake,
wager

Words Related to play

bid,
offer

play

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of play (Entry 2 of 2)

1 activity engaged in to amuse oneself

it's such a delight to watch the children in their play

Synonyms for play

Words Related to play

Near Antonyms for play

2 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 for play

Words Related to play

interlude,
playlet

adaptation

3 an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously

I didn't mean to insult anyone, for it was all just play

Synonyms for play

Words Related to play

Near Antonyms for play

Antonyms for play

earnest

4 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 for play

Words Related to play

exertion

reuse

Near Antonyms for play

disuse,
nonuse

5 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 for play

Words Related to play

Phrases Synonymous with play

sleight of hand

Frequently Asked Questions About play

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