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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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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
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
as in to use
to take unfair advantage of
the candidate played on the voters' prejudices
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as in to exploit
to control or take advantage of by artful, unfair, or insidious means
played upon the customer's vanity to convince her to buy the expensive makeup kit
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as in to toy (with)
to handle thoughtlessly, ignorantly, or mischievously
please don't play with the telephone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of play
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2025
Paul Dano plays the titular role of Vadim Baranov, a former avant-garde artist and reality TV show producer, who becomes the unofficial advisor to ex-KGB agent Putin as rises up the political chain.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2025
Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
And the tragedy of the play is the question left unanswered.
—John Haskell, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
Neil Young began playing concerts and recording music before the Beatles even stepped foot in America, and he’s never stopped.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2025
Paul Dano plays the titular role of Vadim Baranov, a former avant-garde artist and reality TV show producer, who becomes the unofficial advisor to ex-KGB agent Putin as rises up the political chain.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
Thirty of his original dresses will be exhibited in a separate Hudson Yards venue, where the play’s afterparty will also be held — for ticket holders only.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
And the tragedy of the play is the question left unanswered.
—John Haskell, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Noun
-
An outdoor tub is your best option for full relaxation after a day spent partaking in the outdoor activities the area is known for, from water sports to hiking.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
28 Aug. 2025
-
The live resin inside packs a serious punch, with heavy indica effects like relaxation, sedation and pain relief.—
Emily Earlenbaugh,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
That gravitational relationship between herself and drama has carried over from her high-school days into her professional life, the Grammy winner says.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
25 Aug. 2025
-
In his director’s statement, the filmmaker reveals that the historical drama mines from his own family’s trauma, linking the effects that both the holocaust and the rise in communism in Hungary had on him and his loved ones.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The pandemic took care of that, and the game was rescheduled for Saturday when the schools meet for the first time.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
All charitable proceeds from the game's 50/50 raffle will go towards Uecker’s favorite charities.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Military officials are sketching out a plan that could deploy a few thousand National Guard members, with the use of active-duty forces also under discussion.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Research on people’s use of AI makes the downsides of this automation mindset ever more apparent.—
David Autor,
The Atlantic,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
While Kim Yo-jong was regularly seen smiling with then South Korean President Moon Jae-in, this clearly was all a ruse.—
Natasha Lindstaedt,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Episode 4 finds both Ellen and Julia throwing themselves headlong into plans that require them to keep up major ruses.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This isn’t a report by the fun police: Twelfth Night is bursting with life and humor and should by no means be a moody slog, but Ali’s production is too intent on jollying us along.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Zack Fox, long-time friend of Russell, plays Swett, a close friend in Oliver’s entourage who often makes fun of Matthew.—
Vincent Perella,
IndieWire,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Many of Lloyd Webber’s detractors believe his musicals have about the same depth as a scrape.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
10 Aug. 2025
-
At a time when many companies are undergoing identity crises or struggling to connect with audiences, this one endures by programming original musicals anchored in local history, institutions, archetypes and customs.—
Elisabeth Vincentelli,
Twin Cities,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Only Djokovic, in Forbes’ 2016 and 2019 lists, has ever earned more directly from the sport in a single year.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Volpe has been one of the sport's least valuable players this season.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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