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
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2025
The technology is expected to play a great role in large-scale storage systems, hydrogen storage, portable and mobile power sources, and specialized energy applications.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2025
Along with promoting play, dolls like these can help children feel less alone and boost their self-confidence.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
Fans of Tovey and co-star Jonathan Groff, who played Kevin’s eventual boyfriend and the series’ lead, have called upon HBO for a revival.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2025
The technology is expected to play a great role in large-scale storage systems, hydrogen storage, portable and mobile power sources, and specialized energy applications.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
In 78 coverage snaps through two games, the Cowboys have run a zone concept on 76 of those plays.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2025
Along with promoting play, dolls like these can help children feel less alone and boost their self-confidence.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Noun
-
However, research shows that deep belly breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which elicits the body’s relaxation response.—
Juli Fraga,
Time,
23 Sep. 2025
-
There’s a kitchenette stocked with a Nespresso machine, a deep soaking bathtub for relaxation, and sweet outdoor terrace perfect for watching the sunset or indulging in happy hour.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The project has been described as a comedic version of Falling Down, the 1993 drama directed by Joel Schumacher that starred Michael Douglas as a man who hits his breaking point while trying to get to his daughter’s birthday.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Sep. 2025
-
The drama gave the streaming platform its best premiere to date, though no data was shared publicly.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
One game closer to elimination.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
23 Sep. 2025
-
The Stars will be coming to visit on Thursday night for the Wild’s first home game of the preseason and their first game since the name change at what’s now known as Grand Casino Arena.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
With a thoughtful use of color, Wezel constructs a visual world that feels both alienating and intensely sensorial, like a vivid dream uncomfortably close to reality.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
24 Sep. 2025
-
The use of nuclear power in space has been mixed.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Despite spending the whole three-hour awards show telling people that their overlong speeches were losing the Boys & Girls Club of America money, the bit was a ruse.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Police said McGriff employed the ruse to access the couple's Queens residence and then set it ablaze.—
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Ototo is a popular brand of clever everyday kitchen tools, utensils, and gadgets that resemble animals, characters, and other shapes, and its top-selling Spaghetti Spoon is a favorite among customers for its fun design and multi-purpose functions.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Nelly‘s Apple Bottoms and Bubly teamed up for a fashionable collaboration feuled by nostalgic fun and seasonal joy.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The performers in the touring casts of Broadway musicals often follow strikingly similar paths from high school to hit show — hours spent practicing show tunes with vocal coaches, years of dance classes, roles in a dozen amateur musical theater productions.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
21 Sep. 2025
-
The festival sparked two documentaries and a comedic musical is now in the works, starring singer Rita Ora.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The project will result in 22,514 additional daily car trips at build-out for all use types — entertainment, commercial and residential — during a typical sports event or concert, according to a local mobility analysis prepared by engineering consulting firm Kimley Horn.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.—
OCVarsity sports staff,
Oc Register,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 25 Sep. 2025.
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