1
as in recreating
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in performing
to present a portrayal or performance of
played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in mocking
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
as in lounging
to spend time in aimless activity
just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in managing
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
this is how we're going to play the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in putting
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
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Recent Examples of playing
Nobody will hold Gjoshe to his hopeful timescale of playing again within a month.
—
Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
What's the most difficult part of playing a character like Peter?
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
Since playing more frequently as a safety, Conner has looked far more comfortable.
—Sam McDowell 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
The original series, which ran for four seasons on France 2, revolved around talent agents and their relationships with their actor clients, many of them French celebrities playing themselves.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
Tyler Lockett, who was playing his first game in the silver and black, had five catches for 44 yards.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Brown was released from the team in 2019 after playing just one game.
—Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Before Sanchez began working in sports media, his career in the NFL included playing for the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and the Washington Commanders.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
So what are the chances of Jackson, Meyer and Eichenberg playing this season?
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
What's the most difficult part of playing a character like Peter?
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
Since playing more frequently as a safety, Conner has looked far more comfortable.
—Sam McDowell 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
The original series, which ran for four seasons on France 2, revolved around talent agents and their relationships with their actor clients, many of them French celebrities playing themselves.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
Tyler Lockett, who was playing his first game in the silver and black, had five catches for 44 yards.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Brown was released from the team in 2019 after playing just one game.
—Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Before Sanchez began working in sports media, his career in the NFL included playing for the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and the Washington Commanders.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
So what are the chances of Jackson, Meyer and Eichenberg playing this season?
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing
Verb
-
For the show, the costumes were designed in collaboration with Vivian Westwood, recreating Cher’s tweed look, and Tom Brown designed Dionne’s outfit, as the original costumes are gone.—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Fast forward 100 years, and to mark the anniversary of the honeymoon adventure, Mercedes-Maybach PR had the idea of recreating, at least in part, the trans-Alpine adventure.—
Howard Walker,
Robb Report,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
As Obama, 61, explains in her new book, co-written with longtime stylist Meredith Koop, that smart hire led to some of the most iconic looks in the White House despite her reluctance to talk about fashion while performing her duties as First Lady.—
Kaity Velez,
Parents,
10 Nov. 2025
-
More British blues bands followed, performing and recording songs by Delta blues artists.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
These contrivances became so well known that, in 2009, the All-American Rejects guitarist Nick Wheeler spent much of his appearance mocking them.—
Kim Hew-Low,
The Atlantic,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The music video is a single shot of Welch in the back of a car, singing along in a suit, sporting shades and a cigar, both mocking and inhabiting the position of male dominance.—
Grace Byron,
New Yorker,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
While leggings and sweatpants are a great option for lounging, the need for a polished pair shouldn’t be overlooked.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
-
For folks whose idea of camping looks more like lounging in a cabin, these cozy shearling slippers, on sale for $70, are the perfect companion for morning coffee on the porch.—
Alice Bennett,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
12 Nov. 2025
-
The National Institutes of Health has tips for managing symptoms, including limiting alcohol and caffeine, and maintaining a healthy body weight.—
Allison Aubrey,
NPR,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Naval build-up China has built world’s largest navy, launching high-tech warships at a frenetic pace under Xi’s leadership, putting pressure on the United States and its Pacific allies to keep up.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Even calling it a magazine is a conscious way of trying to distinguish the work producers are putting months and months of effort into recording and writing from what podcasting has become.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
His political heirs have also tried to redeem his image in the last decade, portraying him instead as a strong leader who brought stability to the country.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Angels counsel has attempted to discredit these former employees, portraying them as bitter because of their dismissals from the club.—
Sam Blum,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
An investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said hackers accessed the system by imitating a legitimate user account.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Life isn’t quite imitating art for Kim Kardashian.—
Jodi Guglielmi,
Rolling Stone,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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