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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of play
Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
There was a time when everyone at a crypto event saw themselves as an outsider, and the VC industry viewed crypto venture capitalists as a different breed playing a different game.
—Ani Freedman, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
And while there is no arguing with that fact, performances of plays have been recorded onstage before, and are being so now.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
His input on the pitch isn’t only limited to the left wing, as, unlike Williams, Rashford can play all three positions across the front line while providing a good alternative to the aging Robert Lewandowski.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
There was a time when everyone at a crypto event saw themselves as an outsider, and the VC industry viewed crypto venture capitalists as a different breed playing a different game.
—Ani Freedman, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Noun
The Hurricanes conclude the 2025 season with a 35-27 overall record, including a 15-14 record in Atlantic Coast Conference play, and reached their first Super Regional since 2016.
—Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
And while there is no arguing with that fact, performances of plays have been recorded onstage before, and are being so now.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Noun
-
The Spa will feature eight treatment rooms, dry saunas, two relaxation lounges with a double-sided fireplace overlooking the orchard, an additional 1,500 square-foot terrace with a year-round outdoor heated mineral spa, a meditation garden, and a dedicated spa fire pit.—
Everett Potter,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
-
An English cocker spaniel named Mango, from the United Kingdom, was just enjoying a moment of relaxation with his mom when things took a bizarre turn, leaving internet users in stitches.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
The movie unfolds from the perspective of an unseen spirit, who watches the domestic drama of a teen (Callina Liang), her brother (Eddy Maday) and their parents (Lucy Liu and Chris Sullivan) – and sometimes makes their, ahem, presence felt.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
-
The second longest-running symphonic outdoor drama performance in the U.S., the play has been performed every summer since 1937.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
Scottie Scheffler, coming off three wins in his last four starts, had his sixth straight round over par in the U.S. Open with a game that didn’t look familiar.—
Doug Ferguson,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2025
-
With 78 games under his belt, Alexander has registered 287 tackles and 12 interceptions.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
Any reductions in opioid use—even small ones—are a positive sign, added Amanda Williams, PhD, professor of clinical health psychology at University College London.—
Kristen Fischer,
Health,
14 June 2025
-
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
The police investigation that followed included surveillance and a ruse where investigators answered local prostitution ads and were directed to the home.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
16 June 2025
-
But this ruse is like the broader trans movement itself, which obliges you to deny the evidence dangling before your own eyes.—
The Editors,
National Review,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
Western Conference teams could also get in on the fun.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
She’s also become part of a group of young female tennis players who are having fun with fashion.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
Footwear News,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
More than a century after Jack Norworth penned the lyrics, a nonprofit founded with the song’s royalties is celebrating 50 years of supporting young musicians — including the talent behind some of today’s most popular musicals.—
James Pollard,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
-
The first couple have long planned on attending the opening night performance of Les Misérables, which is one of the president's favorite musicals.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
12 June 2025
Noun
-
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2025
-
Fanatics Sportsbook revealed the rapper's bet on June 5 in a post on X. The rapper and husband to superstar Beyoncé is an investor in Fanatics, Michael Rubin's popular sports merchandising company.—
Natasha Dye,
People.com,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share