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
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Recent Examples of play
Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Pitcher of the Year: Taylor McKean, Aledo Aledo senior Taylor McKean, a Tarleton Softball pledge, was one of the best pitchers in Dallas-Fort Worth and played a pivotal role in another strong season for the Bearcats.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
Doubling up on tight ends is a curious play by Pittsburgh considering Rodgers is among the league's lowest in targeting that position — roughly 20% of his passes go to TEs, sixth-lowest among active QBs, according to Sports Illustrated.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
Heaton is best known for playing Jonathan Byers in Netflix’s smash hit series Stranger Things from the Duffer Brothers.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Pitcher of the Year: Taylor McKean, Aledo Aledo senior Taylor McKean, a Tarleton Softball pledge, was one of the best pitchers in Dallas-Fort Worth and played a pivotal role in another strong season for the Bearcats.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
Noun
This musical adaptation of the Broadway play brings to life the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
Doubling up on tight ends is a curious play by Pittsburgh considering Rodgers is among the league's lowest in targeting that position — roughly 20% of his passes go to TEs, sixth-lowest among active QBs, according to Sports Illustrated.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Verb
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The military branch is slated to perform its first-ever refueling of a U.S. military asset in orbit as early as next summer.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
10 July 2025
-
The show features five drag queens, each performing two of Swift's eras.—
Bryan West,
The Tennessean,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
Days spent lounging on the beach are typically followed by oceanside drinks and dancing at the lively, unpretentious Paddy’s Beach Club or the Windjammer Surf Bar.—
Bob Curley,
AFAR Media,
8 July 2025
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In early June, Bieber posted a cute snap of himself lounging with his feet up as his son held onto his leg.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
The legislation was driven by concerns that the Chinese government could manipulate content and access sensitive data from American users.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
-
His attorneys had argued that he was manipulated by Blanchard, a victim of Munchausen by proxy, to kill her mom and should have his charges reduced to second-degree murder, according to The Springfield News-Leader.—
Michael Nied,
People.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
Performance reviews may require a personal touch, but AI can help HR leaders put together hiring managers’ or supervisors’ feedback into a proper framework.—
Julie Hoagland,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Why put yourself in the position of being a foreigner in Trump’s America?—
Stephen Marche,
The Atlantic,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
For relaxation, the Mokara Spa offers massages and body treatments, while the heated rooftop pool provides a serene escape with city views.—
Diana Leyva,
The Tennessean,
10 July 2025
-
The class encompasses information about exercises to prepare the mother for birth, relaxation and coping techniques, pain control options, labor positioning, induction and C-section basics, recovery and welcoming baby.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
The adventure drama premiered on June 29, attracting 2.6M viewers on linear alone, per Nielsen live+3 data.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
8 July 2025
-
The modern-day drama, won Jude the silver bear for best screenplay.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The Red Sox put the game out of reach in the bottom of the eighth on solo homers by Ceddanne Rafaela and Romy Gonzalez.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
8 July 2025
-
The Padres began spring training believing Darvish would join Michael King and Dylan Cease atop a rotation that could help win plentiful games in the regular season and successfully navigate postseason series.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
DeAndre Williams, 22, was charged with first degree reckless homicide with use of a dangerous weapon for killing Romell Campbell, 41, at a West Capital Drive liquor store in September 2024.—
Ariela Lopez,
jsonline.com,
7 July 2025
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The American Pharmacists Association and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, along with groups such as the American Medical Association, have opposed the use of ivermectin to treat COVID except in clinical trials.—
Sarah Cutler
July 7,
Idaho Statesman,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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