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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
That company has played a pivotal role in crafting some of the most successful and lauded campaigns in independent film.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 15 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
The boombox can be connected to any analog audio source via a 3.5mm AUX input for playing music from a radio tuner, turntable or even a MiniDisc.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
That company has played a pivotal role in crafting some of the most successful and lauded campaigns in independent film.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 15 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
-
Its surface mimics the feeling of a masseuse’s fingers, leading to faster recovery and deeper post-workout relaxation.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
12 May 2025
-
While China has signaled its willingness to come to the negotiation table with its temporary tariff relaxation, President Xi Jinping is unlikely to concede ground in the long run - particularly when facing a confrontational U.S. administration.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
12 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
-
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
-
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
Noun
-
The first assistant director, David Halls, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
20 May 2025
-
This sediment record reflects both natural climate variation and the profound impact of human land use, especially during the rise and fall of the Maya civilization.—
Francisca Oboh Ikuenobe,
The Conversation,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Can Charity, who is not exactly mentally stable, maintain the ruse forever?—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
2 May 2025
-
Despite multiple interviews, background checks, and reference calls, the ruse held until malware activity triggered an alert.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Because, even amidst sheer fun and revelry, there is always room for growth.—
Malana VanTyle,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
Have fun! Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
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
-
Those teams sit on Mt. Olympus in South Florida sports.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
19 May 2025
-
Bill Belichick has been one of sports’ most discussed figures this spring, but little had to do with the surreal nature of a six-time Super Bowl champion head coach electing to coach college football for the first time at 73.—
David Ubben,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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