played out 1 of 2

Definition of played outnext

played out

2 of 2

verb

past tense of play out

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 out
Adjective
This is all being played out amid the backdrop of Netflix’s audacious swoop for WBD, which will give Netflix control over two of the world’s biggest streaming services. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026 This vital conversation of what to do about it has played out in these chambers for well over a decade. Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
There were few national leaders whose highs and lows played out on the national stage like Jackson. John Blake, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026 The Eaton and Palisades fire diaspora has played out in a sunburst pattern of impromptu moves that likely will never be traced in full detail. Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for played out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played out
Adjective
  • They have been seen directing snaking security lines and passing out water bottles to tired travelers.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Step in when someone’s tired or needs a break.
    Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The complaint says Heifler spent weeks discussing the plot with the undercover law enforcement official, and at one point went to scope out Kiswani's home.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Aaron spent long hours at his computer answering queries, fixing bugs, and releasing updates to serve his growing base.
    Oriana van Praag, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Families are still overwhelmed and caregivers are still exhausted, and far too many conversations are still happening too late.
    Alex Rizo, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Why tire himself out, become completely exhausted and out of breath, crumple up the bedsheets that were changed just a few days ago, get someone else’s germs all over himself, and then reek of sweat afterward?
    Agnieszka Szpila, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The sponsor group believes this is a direct result of the large portion of the rental market being consumed by short-term rentals, especially those owned by individuals who do not live in Borrego Springs.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Changing consumer appetites Once the primary source of community news and information, local TV news stations are struggling with their own tough story, one marked by declining ratings, stagnant revenue growth and rapid shifts in how media is consumed in the internet era.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Clearly the consumer is tapped out.
    Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • The first movie tapped out with $86.1 million but became a sleeper hit on home entertainment, while the sequel ended its run with $174.3 million.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 22 Mar. 2023
Verb
  • The escalation in the Middle East has drained both attention and resources away from Ukraine, Vadym, 31, added.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Gilgeous-Alexander was 5 of 15 from the floor in the first three quarters, but drained all three of his shots in the fourth.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Evergreen resident Scott Porter has been doing work himself after pine beetles wiped out dozens of trees on his property.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Last year, Cuba’s fuel imports fell by more than a third, and electricity shortfalls have at times wiped out nearly 30 percent of daily demand.
    Thomas E. Franklin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The character, played by Esteban Andres Cruz, has been reduced to a simpering stereotype who makes a pass at a cop and mimics a blow job.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Seen from this perspective, ecology cannot be reduced to questions of proximity alone.
    Manuela Moscoso, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Played out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played%20out. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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