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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of play
Jesse Granger, New York Times, 2 June 2026
The Current’s training facility will serve as the training base for the Netherlands during their FIFA World Cup stay, and the Dutch will play one of their group-stage games in Kansas City.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026
Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 3 June 2026
On that play, the official scorer ruled it a rare four-base error.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
Rather than playing the actual game, the Golden Knights care more about completing full sets and finding rare, often valuable, cards.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 2 June 2026
The Current’s training facility will serve as the training base for the Netherlands during their FIFA World Cup stay, and the Dutch will play one of their group-stage games in Kansas City.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026
Noun
His strong one-timer and scorer's instincts give him power-play utility.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 3 June 2026
On that play, the official scorer ruled it a rare four-base error.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Verb
-
The mother spends her waking hours working on other people’s farms and performing tasks the neighbors prefer not to do themselves.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
This year’s gathering included a performance from the San Diego Trans Chorus, a nonprofit group that performed at its first-ever pride event Saturday.—
Hannah Elsmore,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
The elastic bands also make the sandals easy to slide on for airport security, quick coffee runs, or poolside lounging.—
Aashna Gheewalla,
PEOPLE,
31 May 2026
-
Dreaming of lounging on a pink sand beach this summer?—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Do not allow someone else to manipulate your feelings.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
-
However, a lusty CPU and GPU can only do so much in local AI processing if the system lacks adequate RAM and local storage to hold and manipulate large models.—
John Burek,
PC Magazine,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
But now a range of companies are putting AI directly into the hands of golfers.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
-
These sell-offs, coupled with the rising import bill due to the surge in global oil prices, have weighed on the Indian rupee, putting it among the worst-performing currencies in Asia.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
The spa With 11 treatment rooms, including a couples’ area, and men’s and women’s relaxation areas with hydrotherapy areas, the spa is a substantial amenity.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
Make waves at this pool party featuring relaxation, dancing, an extensive lineup of drag and burlesque performances and beats by Mothership Connection.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Design is modern and clean-lined—muted tones, patterned wallpaper, and enough art and lighting drama to feel fun without tipping into theme.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Rosie couldn’t have cared less, her eyes were looking only at Rich singing his little songs, not at the drama playing out directly in front of his stage.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
The Lottery Commission voted Tuesday to authorize regulatory amendments that Executive Director Mark William Bracken said would set rules and regulations for iLottery games.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
-
The Rockies kept piling on and taking away any chance for late-game drama in LoDo.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Qualls takes lead Qualls took the lead after Lindell dropped out, but Demuth, urging the use of paper ballots over the clickers, tried to appeal to Lindell voters.—
Jimmy Lovrien,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
-
Key Takeaways Most side effects of ginseng are mild and temporary, and serious side effects are generally associated with high doses and long-term use.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
