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
Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2025
Bands play weekends, and the weeknights feature the usual run of bar promotions such as a trivia contest on Tuesdays and karaoke Wednesdays.
—Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2025
Adam H. Beasley, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025
There was lots of offensive wizardry to be viewed from Datsyuk, but also video of his staunch defensive play, responsible positioning and masterful stickwork to pickpocket opposing players.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
Nick Blake, Steve’s son, committed to play for Williams and Maryland next season.
—Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2025
Bands play weekends, and the weeknights feature the usual run of bar promotions such as a trivia contest on Tuesdays and karaoke Wednesdays.
—Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2025
Noun
Hurricanes at Panthers Game 4 | Monday, May 26, 2025
The game’s only goal prior to empty-netters by Sebastian Aho and Jordan Staal came on a broken play midway through the second period.
—Adam H. Beasley, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025
There was lots of offensive wizardry to be viewed from Datsyuk, but also video of his staunch defensive play, responsible positioning and masterful stickwork to pickpocket opposing players.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Noun
-
Here, guests will find nail therapy rooms with zero-gravity chairs, a hydro therapy room, a med-spa room, and a relaxation room.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2025
-
Standout details include the 80-foot yacht’s twin-access swim platform that features the brand’s largest space for tender docking, watersports, and guest relaxation.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
21 May 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
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Photo : Legendary Productions/Luxury Resort Portfolio The game room includes arcade-style driving games.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Investing funds to prevent and end homelessness is a wise use of federal dollars.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
Important claims, like whether or not the Los Angeles wildfires were merely a ruse to hide pedophiles.—
Matt Fleming,
Oc Register,
18 May 2025
-
But a Southern California man and his co-conspirators devised an elaborate ruse — involving a boatload of fake orders and manipulation of the company’s software — that netted them millions, prosecutors say.—
Kaitlyn Huamani,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
And Kelce and Mahomes will take part in the Big Slick fun, which begins Thursday night.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2025
-
Wild Turkey Rare Breed The cask strength classic that pulls no punches This one’s not for the faint of heart, but that’s the fun of it.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
They are also both nominated for best leading actress in a musical at the Tony Awards, airing June 8 from Radio City Music Hall (8 ET/5 PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+).—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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The daughter of Katy Farrell and Bill French is on the Step by Step Elite Dance Team, has performed in ensemble and lead roles in musicals with Music Pillars and Scripps Theatre Arts, and is in the AVID college and career readiness program.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 May 2025
Noun
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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
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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 5 Jun. 2025.
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