PLAY (ON OR UPON) Synonyms: 24 Similar Words

play (on or upon)

verb

Definition of play (on or upon)

as in to use

to take unfair advantage of the candidate played on the voters' prejudices

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for play (on or upon)

Verb

Researchers have developed a new vision algorithm that lets humanoid robots perceive depth more like humans, using two forward-facing eyes.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Earlier this month, The Financial Times appended a note to a guest column after readers questioned whether it was written using AI.

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of use

Verb

The film follows an 11-year-old boy who exploits his brother’s tragic death to fight his father and his community, until his lies expose the hypocrisy and corruption beneath a seemingly moral society.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Hockey players in the NHL are too good at probing their opponents for weakness and ruthlessly exploiting it.

— Thomas Drance, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of exploit

Verb

Jarrett, the elder brother, was eventually taken in by a man who later abused him, a victimizer who then set his sights on Baylon.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2026
Market power can be abused, and a transaction involving companies this significant deserves careful regulatory scrutiny.

— Cory Jacobson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of abuse

Verb

By contrast, Meta Platforms has strengthened its core advertising business and boosted user engagement across Facebook and Instagram platforms by leveraging AI models.

— Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
The Agent of Change award is bestowed on artists who leverage their platform to transform communities and inspire new generations.

— Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of leverage

Verb

In virtually every practice, Rodgers gives the young quarterbacks a small piece of information — how to throw the ball on the run, how to carry out play-action, how to manipulate defenders with their eyes.

— Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
New tools in neuroscience have allowed researchers to manipulate the activity of specific neurons in mice brains.

— Danny G. Winder, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of manipulate

Verb

Iren shares, which are traded on the Nasdaq, soared 1,200% over six months last year as part of the AI boom.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 25 June 2026
Even after landing two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade on Monday night, the work is not done for the Miami Heat.

— Anthony Chiang June 23, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026

Definition of trade on

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Browse Nearby Words

play-offs

play (on or upon)

play out

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“Play (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of play (on or upon)

verb

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