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

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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

However, Morehouse, who has spent more than a decade campaigning for the return of American children abducted to Japan, doubts the amendment to Japan’s Civil Code will bring significant change.

— Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
Berman, who spent 13 years as the NHL’s deputy general counsel and VP of community development, helped the league provide a grant for that program.

— PJ Green July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026

Definition of spend

Verb

Every one of those calls consumes tokens and touches a system with its own permissions.

— Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Public health data has taught us that alcohol, which can be fine when consumed in moderation, can be harmful to individual and societal health in excessive amounts.

— Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of consume

Verb

Conwell drained a three on his first shot but then missed six in a row, before hitting another three late in the third quarter.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
The promotion dropped on Monday, June 29 and almost immediately, the original $150,000 budget allocated to the promotion was drained —covering some 25,000 pulls.

— Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of drain

Verb

About half of Florida's 242 death row inmates have exhausted their appeals and could see their death warrant issued at any time.

— CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Norton was deeply moved by audience members who spoke to him after, but he was also exhausted by the emotional and physical strain of the show.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026

Definition of exhaust

Verb

The plan limited cuts to a Black Student Achievement program and drew down funds from a retiree health benefit trust fund to show the district could stay solvent.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve, America’s emergency stockpile of oil, has been drawn down significantly since the war broke out to help replace all those barrels of oil lost in the strait.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Definition of draw down

Verb

Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.

— Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Displaying tactical discipline and superior talent, the English national team defeated Mexico 3-2 with a lineup reduced to 10 men on Sunday night.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of reduce

Verb

The Cohesion 18 sneakers are outfitted with a thick, supportive sole that absorbs impact and offers stability, a rubber outsole for traction, and a sockliner to prevent friction burn and blisters.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Creators now hold more leverage — often keeping ownership and creative control — a shift from the old model of studios simply absorbing influencers into existing productions.

— Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of absorb

Browse Nearby Words

play (on or upon)

play out

plays

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Style

“Play out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20out. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of play out

verb

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