PLAY OUT Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

play out

verb

Definition of play out

as in to spend

to make complete use of we've finally played out the leftovers from that huge holiday meal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 out Window closing to find survivors These are the kinds of scenes playing out across La Guaira state, with people milling around in the streets after being left homeless, uncertain of what to do next. — Fernando Narro Roman, NPR, 28 June 2026 Cook, who has remained in the post while the case plays out, called the allegations a pretext to oust her over monetary policy differences. — Will Dunham, USA Today, 28 June 2026 How does this play out in the employment market? — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 These same dynamics are now playing out in litigation over social media and youth mental health. — Alex Smolak, STAT, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for play out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for play out

Verb

Hochul's announcement came shortly after dozens of students and community members spent hours demanding transparency and accountability from university leaders at a forum sponsored by Cornell's student government.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Earlier this year, César Alvarez spent far too much of their play The Potluck having their onstage avatar wiggle around on the hook of writing The Potluck.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of spend

Verb

The chips are power-hungry (a ChatGPT AI query consumes about ten times as much energy as a normal Google search) and also generate a lot of heat, which requires cooling systems.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 27 Sep. 2026
Maneuvering consumes energy, and atmospheric flight produces substantial heating and drag.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of consume

Verb

Excessive Wet Plants that are receiving excessive moisture or are not draining properly can also exhibit signs of decline, the plant expert offers.

— Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
Use fast-draining potting mix so the roots are not exposed to soggy soil for long periods of time.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of drain

Verb

But seven months into the conflict, with no clear end in sight, the global oil market has now largely exhausted the safety measures that exist to keep a lid on petroleum prices.

— Greg Pollock, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
The gentle squeeze around your legs provides other surprising health benefits on exhausting travel days.

— Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of exhaust

Verb

France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Ireland have all been pressured to draw down supplies, Politico reported.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
It was drawn down to below $200 million following the hack, according to Bloomberg’s calculation of the fund’s disclosed wallet addresses, before being restored to more than $300 million.

— Matthew Tan, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of draw down

Verb

Many families cannot afford to take the full allowable time off, using up sick or vacation time if available.

— Megan Kuykendoll, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
Data centers use up to millions of gallons of water a day, threatening the availability and affordability of local supplies.

— Anna Zarra Aldrich, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of use up

Verb

Shoppers filed a class action against the company in May, and its finance chief has said Amazon largely absorbed tariff costs rather than passing them on.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
The joint, which makes AI tools developed by and intended for filmmakers from essentially open source beginnings, saw its staff of less than 20 absorbed into the streamer and Affleck on board as an advisor.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of absorb

Browse Nearby Words

play (on or upon)

play out

plays

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“Play out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20out. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of play out

verb

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