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
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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
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.
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Recent Examples of play
Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025
Stewart plays his son-in-law, while Gadiot will assume the part of a local police detective.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 7 Aug. 2025
Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Amenities: Free on-site parking, restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, pool and kid’s pool, beach access, dedicated kid’s play area
Editor’s tip: Don’t miss the sourdough breads and pastries baked fresh every morning courtesy of the hotel’s new bakery in town, Red Jane.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
Jacinto plays Eric, husband to Lohan’s character Anna.
—Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025
Stewart plays his son-in-law, while Gadiot will assume the part of a local police detective.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
Library patrons can check out kits with themes such as building, sensory, cars, active play and music.
—Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Amenities: Free on-site parking, restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, pool and kid’s pool, beach access, dedicated kid’s play area
Editor’s tip: Don’t miss the sourdough breads and pastries baked fresh every morning courtesy of the hotel’s new bakery in town, Red Jane.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Noun
-
These 10 items help create a sanctuary that reduces stress and promotes relaxation.—
Jené Luciani Sena , Caitlyn Martyn
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Practicing answers, rehearsing entry and exit routines, and using relaxation techniques can help candidates present calmer faces during interviews.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In the days leading up to the event, which was filmed in New York City on Tuesday, Aug. 12, there was online speculation about certain contestants potentially not showing up to address the drama and fallout from the season.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Throughout all the dramas of daily life—the fender bender, the sleep regression, the surprise layoff—partners can start to feel trapped with each other.—
Olga Khazan,
The Atlantic,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Strawberry hit his 252 home runs with the Mets in 1,109 games over eight seasons.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
13 Aug. 2025
-
And while a broken leg limited his 2024 season to just five games, Hutchinson has already drawn comparisons to a future hall of famer in training camp.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This year marks the test of new districtwide policies, like photo-ID badges for students, and new statewide laws, such as a ban on cellphone use during the school day.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Costco would anchor the 120-acre mixed use development.—
Jenna Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Just a guess here: This may have been something of a ruse by the Padres.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Aug. 2025
-
The then-officer's role was to show up in his scout car to legitimize the eviction ruse, authorities said.—
Violet Ikonomova,
Freep.com,
16 July 2025
Noun
-
Finding community after tragedy Hot and Holy is yet another group of young adults with a mission of combining tradition and fun, founded by 28-year-olds Nicole Lefkowitz and Sydney Lorch.—
Sophie Liza Cannon,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
In the new images of the cubs, three females and one male, the baby big cats have fun while their parents, Khalila and Bart, watch on.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
7 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
-
How has this Arizona native remained at the pinnacle of the sport since beginning his Thoroughbred conditioning career in 1991?—
Danny Brewer,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The festivities are still two years away, but fans at Tuesday’s Cubs game were looking forward to seeing the sport’s best players in Chicago.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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