play 1 of 2

verb

Definition of playnext
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

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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
6
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

ˈplā How to pronounce play (audio)
1
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself it's such a delight to watch the children in their play

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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

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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

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
Thornton played his first two seasons at Boston College. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026 The Regency period drama, a true bodice ripper, turns its attention to Benedict, the second Bridgerton son played by Luke Thompson. —Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Jan. 2026
Noun
With Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn out with a concussion and the Rams needing a touchdown, Evero had his defensive backs in off-coverage to try to prevent an explosive play. —Joseph Person, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026 But Djokovic has his feet firmly on the ground, with plenty of post-tennis plans already in play. —Jonathan Thompson, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
  1. perform
  2. lounge
  3. manipulate
  4. put
  5. relaxation
  6. drama
  7. game
  8. use
Verb
  • The project will serve as a pilot for the city’s Project Labor Agreement ordinance, with most construction performed by union workers.
    — Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The brand will launch with its full product assortment in the region, though marketing will emphasize top-performing categories — blush, complexion, bronzer, tools and glow essentials — which align with existing regional DTC demand.
    — Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
Definition of perform
Verb
  • They can easily be transitioned from lounging at home to a street-ready outfit or casual traveling, as the stripes can be mixed and matched with a wide range of tops like blazers, denim jackets, and simple tees—all without looking sloppy.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
  • This chair makes an ideal lounging spot for reading or watching television, thanks to its supportive foam construction.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
Definition of lounge
Verb
  • Harden understands the rules well as anyone to draw fouls (critics might argue manipulate the officials) to get to the line.
    — Jason Jones, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Other charges accuse Yoon of manipulating the investigation into a marine’s drowning in 2023 and receiving free opinion surveys from an election broker in return for a political favor.
    — Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Definition of manipulate
Verb
  • Gonzales said the situation in Minneapolis, with protesters attempting to interfere in federal immigration operations, has put the United States in an inflection point.
    — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Ford expects to put the first few laps on its new Le Mans challenger in Q3, several months before the team’s maiden race in Qatar in March 2027.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 16 Jan. 2026
Definition of put
Noun
  • Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.
    — Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2026
  • According to Amex, what unites these destinations is a desire for meaningful travel—whether through first-time adventures, cultural immersion, or settings that balance relaxation with a strong sense of place.
    — Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026
Definition of relaxation
Noun
  • The actor is currently dating Daniela Norman, an actress who starred in 2019's Cats and the 2020 Netflix dance drama Tiny Pretty Things.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Wyle also took home the trophy for outstanding actor in a drama series, while his co-star Katherine LaNasa won for outstanding supporting actress.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Definition of drama
Noun
  • Joanna Gaines and Sydney Sweeney were even ahead of the game and broke theirs out back in October and November, respectively.
    — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Before Watson’s game-winner, Murray also conjured one of the weirdest clutch buckets of Denver’s season, scooping up a loose ball that had been stripped away from Aaron Gordon and connecting on an awkward midrange floater before the shot clock buzzer.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
Definition of game
Noun
  • The company also highlighted its shift toward a Robot-as-a-Service model, indicating readiness for global commercial deployment rather than experimental use.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Definition of use

Phrases Containing play

Browse Nearby Words

plausibly
play
playact
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Cite this Entry

“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on play

Nglish: Translation of play for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about play

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