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 Both came on fourth down, after the Chiefs had played gallantly near the goal line. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026 Taaffe and JuJu Brents, who had both played generally well for six games, each was beaten on TD passes in the second half, when Maye went 9 for 10 for 148 yards. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026 Brossoit played his second NHL game in three seasons after being recalled from San Diego of the AHL on Saturday. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026 There are 38 players who played most or all of their careers in the AFL enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026 Now 10, Francesca has always known about the special role her aunt played in bringing her into the world. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026 Avent’s father, Anthony, starred at Seton Hall and played in the NBA. — Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026 Husted played college football as a cornerback for the University of Dayton. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026 In a bid to get more people interested in the event, ESPN and Marvel Studios devised an intriguing collaboration that will include a 30-second promo voiced by Paul Bettany, the actor who has long played Vision in various Marvel films. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played
Verb
  • University of Sheffield scientists have recreated the original recipe to produce a contemporary glass sculpture with the same optical effect.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The Sashiko Gals, a collective of female artisans formed in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, recreated the Polo Bear using patches of indigo denim and chambray.
    — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The film includes a live recording of Pascal Dusapin’s Flying River, Violin Concerto, performed by Utopia Orchestra and conducted by Giuseppe Mengoli.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Her band has also warmed up crowds at Dallas Cowboys games and performed at the Houston Rodeo.
    — Zoey Goto, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • That may earn her the admiration of her college comrades, but at home, she’s seen as an idealistic naif — mocked, in particular, by her older brother Milan (Miodrag Dragicevic), who is staunchly right-wing in his sympathies.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Utah removed the video and apologized, while ESPN defended McAfee’s safety concerns; online reaction largely mocked his response.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In one mirror selfie, Hurley lounged on a bed with her bare legs on display, holding up her phone as the oversized ring sparkled on her finger.
    — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • During virtual meetings, Brower and Simone, who are in their mid-30s, appeared on screen while Primrose lounged on their shoulders or heads.
    — KYLE MELNICK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Pando has since handled more than 57 terabytes of Git packfiles in a single hour.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Tia, on her end, handled the ambush skillfully, parrying jabs without raising her voice to prevent Wendy from having any opening to feign victimization.
    — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Tight end Jack Evans put the Jackets in position to score with an 26-yard reception, and Carson James capped off the series by bulldozing into the end zone from a yard out.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Curry then made a three-pointer and put his hands on his head.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • What if people ate, slept, worked, read, and entertained among the art?
    — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • David is as engaged and entertained as anyone in the audience.
    — Jem Aswad, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Los Angeles city attorney’s office is suing an animal rescue organization that was once a favorite among Hollywood celebrities, alleging that its owner purchased dogs from puppy mills and portrayed them to adopters as animals that were rescued.
    — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • There were rumors that Crowley was involved in animal sacrifices and black magic, and headlines portrayed him as a Satanist.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Played.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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