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
Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
That company has played a pivotal role in crafting some of the most successful and lauded campaigns in independent film.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 15 May 2025
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
Injuries were rife across the roster, ineffective play from veterans was a real concern and the goaltending was a question mark.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
The boombox can be connected to any analog audio source via a 3.5mm AUX input for playing music from a radio tuner, turntable or even a MiniDisc.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
That company has played a pivotal role in crafting some of the most successful and lauded campaigns in independent film.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 15 May 2025
Noun
That has been the hardest thing about doing this play.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
Injuries were rife across the roster, ineffective play from veterans was a real concern and the goaltending was a question mark.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Noun
-
The combination of the moon’s energy and the therapeutic effects of cannabis can promote relaxation, creativity, and clarity.—
Matt Rozo,
Mercury News,
12 May 2025
-
While China has signaled its willingness to come to the negotiation table with its temporary tariff relaxation, President Xi Jinping is unlikely to concede ground in the long run - particularly when facing a confrontational U.S. administration.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Noun
-
For the faithful gathered here, of course, the sideshow drama was not the point.—
Katie Primm,
NBC news,
9 May 2025
-
The official Instagram account for the drama series based on Janette Oke's book of the same name shared a tribute to Pelletier on May 3.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
Goaltender Logan Thompson had a solid game, stopping 31 of 33 shots, but ultimately took the 2-1 loss in overtime.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
-
Beatrix sits Charlie at a poker game with three scary-looking men, warning her to tread carefully.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
The Vatican has taken high-tech measures to ensure secrecy, including the use of jamming devices.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
8 May 2025
-
Adjust Horizontally Misaligned Cabinet Door During installation or even after years of regular use, cabinet doors might slide too far to one side or the other.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
Can Charity, who is not exactly mentally stable, maintain the ruse forever?—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
2 May 2025
-
Despite multiple interviews, background checks, and reference calls, the ruse held until malware activity triggered an alert.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Have fun! Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
-
Because, even amidst sheer fun and revelry, there is always room for growth.—
Malana VanTyle,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
No list of musicals is complete without a rock opera.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
7 May 2025
-
Rice achieved this elite entertainment grand slam through his work on everything from Broadway musicals to Disney blockbusters.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
6 May 2025
Noun
-
Your lawmakers have commanded all good citizens to engage in this hellish sport.—
Liz Tracey,
JSTOR Daily,
19 May 2025
-
Those teams sit on Mt. Olympus in South Florida sports.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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