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
-
The Pisces moon cools your jets, setting the stage for relaxation and reflection.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Last year’s offseason drama, with holdouts by Williams and Aiyuk, was followed by injury after injury, but neither Kittle nor Warner considered sitting out as the 49ers went 1-7 down the stretch.—
Vic Tafur,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
-
After appearing in over 80 episodes of the British drama, McStay went on to appear in such films as Peter Yates’ 1967 thriller Robbery and 1977's The Stick Up.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Turner Sports first acquired an NBA package in 1984, and games were on TNT since the network launched in 1988.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
1 June 2025
-
You’re being called to play the long game, to build something that lasts.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
Learn how to evaluate your existing garden, use or convert irrigation systems and basic design approaches.—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
-
Always consult your stovetop model's use and care guide for specific recommendations and best practices on maintenance.—
Shivani Vyas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
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
-
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
-
Hockey really covets villains in a manner no other sport does.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
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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