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 Like Nabers, Beckham played college football for the LSU Tigers, and like Nabers, Beckham began his NFL career as a first-round draft pick for the Giants. Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025 Mickey agreed, and Jimmy said Morgan played a great game. David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Sep. 2025 On the silver screen, Chris Pine has played heart-stopping action heroes. Todd Spangler, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025 Deadline also broke the news that Eoin Macken and Andrew Liner, who played father-son duo Davis and Reid Collins, will not return as season regulars for the sophomore season. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025 Natural raffia and other artisanal materials played a starring role in the Serena Uziyel collection, inspired by the Mediterranean coast. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025 Despite being big underdogs in front of the home crowd at AT&T Stadium on Sunday night, the Dallas Cowboys played the Green Bay Packers to an unusual 40-40 tie Sunday night. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025 Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, 36, and Rupert Grint, 37, played the three lead characters in the beloved franchise. Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025 Along with catching, Rodriguez has played first base, second base, third base and left field to get his bat in the lineup. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played
Verb
  • The scene in question features a long kiss between Pacey and Tamara — which Jackson, 47, and Philipps, 46, recreated and then some, complete with a dramatic dip, to the delight of the crowd.
    Jen Juneau, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Inspired by Greece, Di Petsa recreated sandy beaches as tan denim dresses with loose frays acting as sea foam crashing on shore.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Scottish powerhouse Lewis Capaldi performed on the episode.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The hospital performed a little over 4,000 deliveries in 2024, the most reported by any area hospital to the Wisconsin Hospital Association Information Center.
    Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Rubio lauded Bukele and mocked the Biden administration’s attempts to pressure him.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In practice, despite his rhetoric, Israel’s longest serving prime minister’s security policy was widely seen as cautious and relatively restrained, even derided as cowardly by political rivals, who also mocked his inability to make decisive moves.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As the action took place, the fashionable crowd lounged on the beautifully landscaped outdoor dining area, grazing on the pies and taking pictures of the sea.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Throughout their trip, Gomez and her friends lounged on the beach and dressed up in matching sweatsuits.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The state argued incidents that arose from the ICE facility protests in recent months have been handled by local law enforcement and have not been severe enough to be considered a riot or rebellion.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Until now, Hiyune handled the initial creation from scratch, but now the two of us also contribute at that stage.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Let the filter dry completely before putting it back and using the blow dryer again.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Notre Dame had a 79-yard TD drive in the third quarter and a 52-yarder in the fourth to put the game away.
    Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • No amendments were entertained.
    Paul Egan, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Unlike other game-day snacks like chips or popcorn, where flavors and textures can get a little one-note after a while, ALDI’s Cajun Trail Mix keeps your taste buds entertained with different flavors—salty, sweet, and spicy—and different textures, too.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Both deaths are portrayed in the show.
    JR Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Sleepy Hollow Cemetery To ring in the spooky season, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery hosts an array of special events, including a murder mystery bash and evenings with Washington Irving and Edgar Allan Poe (who are portrayed by local storytellers).
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Played.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on played

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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