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
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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
Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
On the intersection corner where crowds were dense, Tom Angelo, 64, played his red accordion as a background track to the chaotic protest.
—Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
This never works,’ only to then call a run play.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
Not to mention Elm Street introduced a villain for the ages in Freddy Krueger, an instant icon played by Robert Englund, whose charisma was strong enough to shine through even the thickest makeup.
—Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
On the intersection corner where crowds were dense, Tom Angelo, 64, played his red accordion as a background track to the chaotic protest.
—Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
Points were earned through quality play.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
This never works,’ only to then call a run play.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Noun
-
Pagosa Springs Looking for a destination that combines mountain adventures and deep relaxation?—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Oct. 2025
-
In a living room, a large tapestry can create a striking focal point, while a bedroom may benefit from softer, muted pieces that complement bedding and promote relaxation.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Kizzi’s fate, drama-wise, is not in butting heads with people in her team, but in boatmance.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The second season of the teen drama aired in 2022.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Bucks games at Fiserv Forum will have lots of new food, drink choices.—
Steven Martinez,
jsonline.com,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) is investigating his disappearance and the six unauthorized or attempted uses of Valdez's card, including subpoenaing footage from the businesses where his card was used, according to KOB4.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
-
That uneven use of the death penalty is one of the reasons advocates want to abolish it.—
Kevin Grasha,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But federal prosecutors in Brooklyn say the ex-athletes and all the other players were in on a ruse, using technology to rig the outcome.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
-
But the ruse hits a snag when Taylor's boss (Tia Mowry) starts to question Hugh Mann's credentials, and Taylor starts dating the son of the resort owner (New Amsterdam's Ryan Eggold).—
Breanne L. Heldman,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
A lot of fun, very comedic movie.—
Charles Infosino,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Enter the 2025 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Trail Special Edition; Honda’s rec/utility fit for any occasion, any chore and tons of off-road fun.—
Marc D. Grasso,
Boston Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In performances at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City, the musical follows killers Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two murderesses who use their criminal notoriety to find fame in the Vaudeville circuit.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Directed by Bill Condon, the film is an adaptation of the 1992 musical by Terrence McNally, itself an adaptation of the 1976 play by Manuel Puig.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Her love for journalism began with taking freelance sports photos for her local newspaper, The Fulton Sun, during high school, and her involvement with multiple school publications.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Oct. 2025
-
This emotional confidence will encourage upbeat times socializing with others, as well as exploring sports events and fun activities with kids.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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