play out

verb

Definition of play outnext
as in to spend
to make complete use of we've finally played out the leftovers from that huge holiday meal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 out Window closing to find survivors These are the kinds of scenes playing out across La Guaira state, with people milling around in the streets after being left homeless, uncertain of what to do next. — Fernando Narro Roman, NPR, 28 June 2026 Cook, who has remained in the post while the case plays out, called the allegations a pretext to oust her over monetary policy differences. — Will Dunham, USA Today, 28 June 2026 How does this play out in the employment market? — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 These same dynamics are now playing out in litigation over social media and youth mental health. — Alex Smolak, STAT, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for play out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play out
  1. spend
  2. consume
  3. drain
  4. exhaust
  5. draw down
  6. use up
  7. reduce
  8. absorb
Verb
  • The sisters also make a point of scheduling many of their medical appointments together, turning long drives into an opportunity to spend time with one another.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Establishing that sense of familiarity requires time spent playing and training together, something made more difficult by a constant carousel of new signings.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of spend
Verb
  • However, consuming large amounts—such as those used in studies where up to 1/2 cup was consumed daily—can start to weaken and damage tooth enamel.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey fire in Hartford, Connecticut consumed the big top in just eight minutes.
    — Dr. Marianne Parshley, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of consume
Verb
  • Your table is ready, the waiter said, and Rebecca drained her glass and stood.
    — Emma Cline, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Most of the region’s sewers were engineered generations ago to drain well under 2 inches of rain per hour, and a cloudburst can deliver double that amount.
    — Ravi S. Bhalla, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of drain
Verb
  • The ruling involves 16 men's basketball players who sued the NCAA in Cobb County Superior Court in July after exhausting four seasons of college eligibility.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Cinema has lately exhausted the emotional mileage of the Ukraine–EU border, but one wittily choreographed setpiece involving the couple’s border crossing finds in transition an ingenious point of convergence between gender and geography.
    — Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhaust
Verb
  • In recent months, the combination of sluggish pay and surging prices has prompted many shoppers to draw down savings and take on debt, Boussor said.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Although the market has adapted and prices have remained relatively low considering the historic supply shock during the war, that’s in large part because demand for oil collapsed and China drew down its massive oil stockpiles.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of draw down
Verb
  • Any oxygen produced below Earth’s surface was long assumed to rapidly get used up.
    — James Dinneen, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Under state law, dealers in California may continue to use up supplies of paraquat for up to two years following the effective date of their cancellation.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of use up
Verb
  • Studies show that drinking more fluid—preferably water—can significantly reduce the risk of stone formation and recurrence.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The White Worm, who styled herself as a peacetime consigliere, is reduced to obsolescence by the promise of all-out war.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • Traditional brokerages are now absorbing crypto as another asset class, integrating it into their platforms and driving down fees.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The slaked lime is capable of absorbing CO₂ from the surrounding air.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of absorb

Browse Nearby Words

play (on or upon)
play out
plays
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Play out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20out. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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