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
John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
In a statement, Tomich said the New Lenox Fire Protection District is committed to promoting emotional resilience within the department and the community, and said Willie will play a pivotal part.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
And the tragedy of the play is the question left unanswered.
—John Haskell, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
And after 14 seasons, the Honor Bowl will not be played this season.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
In a statement, Tomich said the New Lenox Fire Protection District is committed to promoting emotional resilience within the department and the community, and said Willie will play a pivotal part.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
Thirty of his original dresses will be exhibited in a separate Hudson Yards venue, where the play’s afterparty will also be held — for ticket holders only.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
And the tragedy of the play is the question left unanswered.
—John Haskell, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Noun
-
These 10 items help create a sanctuary that reduces stress and promotes relaxation.—
Jené Luciani Sena , Caitlyn Martyn
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Practicing answers, rehearsing entry and exit routines, and using relaxation techniques can help candidates present calmer faces during interviews.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In his director’s statement, the filmmaker reveals that the historical drama mines from his own family’s trauma, linking the effects that both the holocaust and the rise in communism in Hungary had on him and his loved ones.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
25 Aug. 2025
-
That gravitational relationship between herself and drama has carried over from her high-school days into her professional life, the Grammy winner says.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
All charitable proceeds from the game's 50/50 raffle will go towards Uecker’s favorite charities.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
The pandemic took care of that, and the game was rescheduled for Saturday when the schools meet for the first time.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Eighty years on from the devastating use of nuclear weapons in Japan, and decades on from the most intensive period of above-ground testing, the world’s nuclear reckoning is far from over.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Dyer was using the money for his personal use and was behind on paying the woman’s assisted living facility monthly cost, police said.—
Jennifer Rodriguez,
Kansas City Star,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Just a guess here: This may have been something of a ruse by the Padres.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Aug. 2025
-
The then-officer's role was to show up in his scout car to legitimize the eviction ruse, authorities said.—
Violet Ikonomova,
Freep.com,
16 July 2025
Noun
-
This isn’t a report by the fun police: Twelfth Night is bursting with life and humor and should by no means be a moody slog, but Ali’s production is too intent on jollying us along.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Zack Fox, long-time friend of Russell, plays Swett, a close friend in Oliver’s entourage who often makes fun of Matthew.—
Vincent Perella,
IndieWire,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Many of Lloyd Webber’s detractors believe his musicals have about the same depth as a scrape.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
10 Aug. 2025
-
At a time when many companies are undergoing identity crises or struggling to connect with audiences, this one endures by programming original musicals anchored in local history, institutions, archetypes and customs.—
Elisabeth Vincentelli,
Twin Cities,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
High school sports are in full swing across the state.—
Freep.com,
Freep.com,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Volpe has been one of the sport’s least valuable players this season.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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