Synonyms of played

played

verb

past tense of play

1

as in recreated

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

• recreated
• entertained
• frolicked
• toyed
• rollicked
• amused
• joked
• sported
• relaxed
• romped
• cavorted
• rested
• disported
• dabbled
• delighted
• dallied
• teased
• pleased
• skylarked
• gamboled
• frisked
• trifled
• diverted
• loafed
• idled
• jested
• dawdled
• puttered (around)
• fiddled (around)
• hung
• screwed around
• slacked (off)
• lounged (around or about)
• hung about
• goldbricked
• messed around
• bummed (around)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• worked
• struggled
• labored
• toiled
• plugged (away)
• strove
• strained
• slaved
• plodded
• sweat
• drudged

2

as in performed

to present a portrayal or performance of

played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic

Synonyms & Similar Words

• performed
• portrayed
• interpreted
• represented
• did
• depicted
• acted
• impersonated
• rendered
• enacted
• role-played
• dramatized
• acted out
• pantomimed
• mimicked
• imitated
• underplayed
• overplayed
• masqueraded
• mimed
• took on
• posed (as)
• clowned
• aped
• playacted
• hammed
• costarred
• starred (in)
• overacted
• coacted

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

• mocked
• portrayed
• imitated
• posed (as)
• acted
• impersonated
• masqueraded (as)
• personated
• parodied
• copied
• mimicked
• mimed
• performed
• aped
• travestied
• monkeyed

4

as in lounged

to spend time in aimless activity

just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lounged
• idled
• loafed
• doodled
• tinkered
• trifled
• puttered (around)
• fiddled (around)
• pottered (around)
• fribbled
• hung about
• fooled around
• goofed (around)
• messed around
• kicked around
• monkeyed (around)
• dawdled
• lolled
• hung (around or out)
• dallied
• horsed around
• dillydallied
• clowned (around)
• diddled (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• set (to)
• settled (down)
• buckled (down)
• knuckled down

5

as in handled

to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently

this is how we're going to play the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• handled
• addressed
• managed
• manipulated
• treated
• took
• negotiated
• fielded
• swung
• maneuvered
• hacked
• contended (with)
• grappled (with)
• pulled
• came to grips with
• coped (with)
• engineered
• had a grip on
• carried out
• controlled
• steered
• got off
• regulated
• directed
• carried off
• guided
• jockeyed
• brought off
• responded (to)
• commanded
• finessed
• reacted (to)
• ran
• micromanaged

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fumbled
• bungled
• muffed
• mishandled
• botched
• messed (up)
• goofed (up)
• scamped
• foozled
• loused up

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

• put
• bet
• wagered
• gambled
• laid
• offered
• staked
• went
• speculated
• ventured
• bade
• chanced
• adventured
• jeopardized
• imperiled
• endangered
• hazarded

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of played

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

For Jaissle, a defensive midfielder who had preferably played in the Premier League was essential. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 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

Jack Coleman, who played her father on the NBC drama, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing played

• played out