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.
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Recent Examples of play
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
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
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
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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