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
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
Sixth-year senior Chad Baker-Mazara led the team with 25 points against UCLA in spite of playing through a sore knee.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
With the loss, USC drops to 17-11 overall and 9-8 in Big Ten play.
—From Wire Reports, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
The cinema features a special category of nonprofessionals who are cast to play themselves.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
Sixth-year senior Chad Baker-Mazara led the team with 25 points against UCLA in spite of playing through a sore knee.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
San Diego State is 23-4 overall and 17-1 in Mountain West play.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
With the loss, USC drops to 17-11 overall and 9-8 in Big Ten play.
—From Wire Reports, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Noun
-
There’s a game room with a wet bar, a pool for relaxation and a two-bedroom guest house for multigenerational living.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The key to achieving hotel-level relaxation is wearing unrestrictive sleepwear—which the LyreBird Silky Oversized Pajama Shirt delivers effortlessly.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Roan, who recently celebrated her 28th birthday, also put a twist on a more high-drama beat in a second photo.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The partnership follows Searchlight’s work with Dirty Films on Sweetsick, a new drama led by Blanchett which marks the directorial debut of Alice Birch.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Since camp began, Cora has expressed a wish for more challenges in spring training games multiple times.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Before the game, Eldridge discussed feeling more comfortable and in rhythm this spring.—
Haley Smilow,
Mercury News,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Unidos and the handful of other local groups training observers last year adopted tactics that proved effective elsewhere, including the use of whistles to alert neighborhood residents to the presence of ICE agents.—
Nick Woltman,
Twin Cities,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Once the elite athletes have been identified, they are helped to fulfil their potential in programs that utilize cutting edge knowledge, science and technology, including the functional use of psychology.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While the ruse was going, Schreiner lashed out at anyone who was skeptical.—
Kenneal Patterson,
Vanity Fair,
19 Feb. 2026
-
In a ruse that, for lack of a more astute reference point here, feels very Don Draper-coded, Rose poses as the dear male soldier who died next to her in battle, figuring why waste the deeds to perfectly decent land, or his name.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Enjoy an evening of fun and connection as part of Developmental Disability Awareness Month.—
Pomerado News,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Fans on social media are in full support of Ina’s snow day activities, with several inviting themselves over to join in on the fun.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The film, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Catherine Johnson, is based on her book from the 1999 musical of the same name.—
Nada Aboul Kheir,
Deadline,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Because San Diego is one of the biggest creators of new plays and musicals in the United States, the new musical and play categories were the highlights of the evening.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Shah Alam was found dead Tuesday night near the downtown sports arena where the NHL's Buffalo Sabres play.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Steve Madeley has been a journalist for almost 25 years, including nearly 20 years covering sport, mainly football.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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