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
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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
Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
When Pachuca plays either one, the matches are considered derbies.
—Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 8 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
Both of those stars are strong candidates to be world champions in the near future, and if WWE decides to play the waiting game, then Naomi’s Money in the Bank win could be saved for further down the road.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
When Pachuca plays either one, the matches are considered derbies.
—Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 8 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
-
This is especially significant with the planet of love in your sixth house of daily routines, so consider this all the more reason to request a personal day for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 June 2025
-
Freed from the constraints of window placement, the interior can be customized for relaxation, productivity or entertainment, ensuring passengers enjoy the journey as much as the destination.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
More recently, Joss appeared in two episodes of the Sylvester Stallone mob drama Tulsa King in 2022.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
And the dandy lives, always, in the drama of the now, even if, or especially if, that now appears unable to contain him.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
With each game, she’s added more Knicksy sartorial touches.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
1 June 2025
-
You’re being called to play the long game, to build something that lasts.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
Unlike Florida, most states are enacting policies to restrict or outlaw the use of noncompetes, and for good reason.—
Sam Peak,
Sun Sentinel,
1 June 2025
-
At the service desk, patrons will be required to watch videos about proper use and how to properly lock the bikes up.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
The Republicans’ billionaire populism has always been a ruse.—
Jim Miller,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 June 2025
-
When Jonny and Dan were alone at camp, the two friends revealed that the entire story was a ruse!—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
30 May 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
-
Lee’s multi-faceted career has included appearing in musicals and plays as well as TV dramas and films.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
Kara, Conrad, and Daniel, do either of you want to speak to the different uphill battle that straight plays face versus musicals in terms of getting audiences in?—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Add-ons include coverage for rental vehicles, pets, adventure sports and wedding cancellations Cancel For Any Reason coverage Add-on to Preferred and Deluxe plans reimbursing 50% of trip costs if purchased within 15 days of initial deposit.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
1 June 2025
-
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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