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
-
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
-
Its surface mimics the feeling of a masseuse’s fingers, leading to faster recovery and deeper post-workout relaxation.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
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
-
Her credits include Lars von Trier’s Antichrist, Margarethe von Trotta’s Hannah Arendt and the upcoming LGBTQ+ period drama Miss Pirie and Miss Woods, starring Flora Nicholson and Fiona Shaw.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
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
-
The Leafs need to go on the road now with the mindset of winning at least one game at Amerant Bank Arena.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
Users will have to log a traditional cuff-reading to act as a baseline to unlock this feature, and it’s not intended for treatment, diagnosis or medical use.—
Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
8 May 2025
-
Researchers have questioned whether African American women's frequent use of chemical hair straighteners, suspected of containing formaldehyde-releasing agents, might explain why breast, uterine and ovarian cancers kill disproportionately more Black than white women.—
Ronnie Cohen,
NPR,
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
-
Now’s your chance to visit the beach, play sports, walk and have fun in the sun.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
17 May 2025
-
When the host is feeling relaxed, at ease, and having fun at their own event, the party is always better.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
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
-
Those scholars stress athletes’ race when looking at participation rates in the two sports that generate the most revenue: football and men’s basketball.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
5 May 2025
-
That doesn't mean the church doesn't consider the practice bad sport.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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