played

past tense of play
1
2
3
as in mocked
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
5
6
as in put
to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event figuring that she had little to lose, she played her last few bucks on the state lottery

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of played Richard Heathcote/Getty Images The 25-year-old was often rotated and played only 2,623 minutes across Ligue 1 and the Champions League but still managed 18 goals and 10 assists. Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Sabalenka held and then played one of her best games of the match, breaking at love to tie it at 4-all. Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026 Upon the Lincoln’s arrival in the morning, service members could be seen working aboard the deck as loudspeakers played announcements about the process for disembarkation. Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026 Jason has a ring himself from Super Bowl LII, played in 2018. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026 What Billy doesn’t realize is how little any of that matters in the real game—the one being played by the town’s political bosses. Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 Allen also came with an endorsement from Philip Rivers, who played for the Colts previously and after Daniel Jones was injured last year. Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The Oscar winner plays a dressmaker in 1950s London who becomes attached to a waitress, played by Vicky Krieps. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 Cousy played seven games at the end of the season, making just one basket and recording 10 assists in his brief time before going back to being a full-time coach. ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played
Verb
  • In the colossal yet claustrophobic world that Khrzhanovsky has created (or recreated), Russians are stuck between a rock and a hard place, between the hammer and the sickle.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Portions are recreated with an A-list actor who is eligible for Oscar attention, though not SAG.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Andy Williams, the pro wrestler known as The Butcher who performed in several promotions including All Elite Wrestling (AEW), died after suffering a medical emergency during a show.
    Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Testing and inspections must be performed at the appropriate stages.
    Javier Campaña Minchong, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In fact, after the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, which killed six and injured more than a thousand people but hardly rocked the buildings, ironworkers mocked the idea that any terrorist could ever take down those great structures.
    Jeff Goodell, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
  • He was criticised by Guardiola last season for not challenging Virgil van Dijk anywhere near enough at Anfield in February, and he was mocked by supporters at Old Trafford in January after he was kept quiet by Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In another photo, the 21-year-old model lounged on the floor with her head propped on one hand while wearing a pair of pastel blue heels and a cream cardigan.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Once, Navarrete represented a client virtually from a hotel room, a work jacket over her swimsuit while the rest of her family lounged at the beach.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Nate Jaros, vice president of animal care at the aquarium, said this is one of the largest hauls the aquarium has handled in years.
    John Donegan LONG BEACH POST, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Policies renew, claims get handled, and leadership moves on to more immediate financial priorities.
    Randy Sadler, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Have the Bills actually put enough around Josh Allen to win the AFC?
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The ratios offer a little more room for expenses by putting a little less toward savings than the longstanding gold standard, the 50/30/20 budget.
    Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Yes; families are clearly the property's sweet spot, thanks to extensive kids programming, multiple pools, and a schedule of activities that keeps younger travelers entertained from morning until night.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Borden entertained O’Neil and other actors at her Maplecroft mansion in Fall River.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That was portrayed in some quarters as a mass exodus, one that would inevitably lead to the remainder of Newcastle’s best players departing as well — if not during the window just gone, then next summer.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Beatty portrayed River—the kindhearted fiancée of one of the siblings—until the play closed in June 2024.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Played.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster