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
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The targeting led the Russians to use an alternative route, according to the Ukrainian military, with a large number of trucks carrying military supplies sent further west.—
Gianluca Mezzofiore,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026 -
Officers conducted a search on foot and using a drone, but were unable to locate the animal.—
Evelyn Ronan,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2026
Verb
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So far, there are no reports of the usbliter8 bug being exploited in the wild.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
21 June 2026
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However, Nawrocki is a nationalist politician who has exploited anti-Ukrainian sentiment for electoral gain.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
Verb
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One video advertises access to a longer clip of a boy toddler being abused for less than three dollars.—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
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Christina alleged that Joan physically and emotionally abused her and Christopher in her best-selling 1978 memoir, Mommie Dearest, which was adapted for the 1981 film that starred Faye Dunaway.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
20 June 2026
Verb
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While acknowledging Costco's cultural dominance, Sam's Club leverages its scale and digital edge to build loyalty among younger consumers who value utility, convenience, and a feeling of belonging over traditional retail friction.—
Gabriel Alin Zainescu,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
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Caluk said there's a need to leverage terrestrial building experiences.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
20 June 2026
Verb
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This enables robots to identify objects, track movement, plan motions, and manipulate components with a high degree of precision.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
19 June 2026
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Wang then placed his hands underneath her clothing and began touching her breasts before manipulating her arm to touch his genitals, the suit states.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Play (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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