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
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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
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
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
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
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
-
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
-
Two months earlier, Lee — one of the unforgettable leads of Bong’s multi-Oscar-winning drama Parasite — had been one of Korea’s biggest and most beloved movie stars.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
21 May 2025
-
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has a lot of unresolved drama to explore.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
The best players in the history of the game won at the highest level, with deep playoff runs and titles along the way.—
Nick Crain,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
His three-run home run in the fourth inning gave them the lead, and a two-RBI double in the Cubs’ four-run sixth tied the game.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
The Latitude Run Larissa 25-Gallon Wicker Deck Box is 81 percent off during Wayfair’s Memorial Day Sale, and shoppers have found so many uses for it, including as a coffee table, footrest, and even extra seating.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
20 May 2025
-
Those guidelines should also include steps to perform routine maintenance and tips for keeping the sauna clean and bacteria-free between uses.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 May 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
-
Because, even amidst sheer fun and revelry, there is always room for growth.—
Malana VanTyle,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
Perhaps no one had more fun than Brandon Podziemski.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
17 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
-
What a treat to come across a musical that recognizes just how extraordinary the ordinary can be.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
21 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 30 May. 2025.
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