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
Further factions emerge from there, as people start playing the game within the Squid Game, forming pockets of friendships and alliances, real and fake.
—
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Dec. 2024
The World Junior tournament is always good for some surprises; a couple of unexpected players emerging as top scorers or playing well in big moments, or a traditional top nation getting upset in the medal round.
—Corey Pronman, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
When Sanders was playing, all the attention was on his flash — his spectacular flash.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
This team is still playing hard, evidenced by four wins in their past five games.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Deion Sanders began his NFL career with the Falcons in 1989, also playing baseball for the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves well into the 1990s.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Then something strange happened — the Falcons started playing like one of the best defenses in the league.
—Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Thanks for playing — and share your scores in the comments!
—Mark Cooper, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
As the Lightning enter the NHL’s three-day holiday break, Cooper said playing the Panthers on back-to-back nights was a great team-building opportunity after an early-season schedule that was light on Atlantic Division opponents.
—Eduardo A. Encina, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Dec. 2024
The World Junior tournament is always good for some surprises; a couple of unexpected players emerging as top scorers or playing well in big moments, or a traditional top nation getting upset in the medal round.
—Corey Pronman, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
When Sanders was playing, all the attention was on his flash — his spectacular flash.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
This team is still playing hard, evidenced by four wins in their past five games.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Deion Sanders began his NFL career with the Falcons in 1989, also playing baseball for the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves well into the 1990s.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Then something strange happened — the Falcons started playing like one of the best defenses in the league.
—Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Thanks for playing — and share your scores in the comments!
—Mark Cooper, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
As the Lightning enter the NHL’s three-day holiday break, Cooper said playing the Panthers on back-to-back nights was a great team-building opportunity after an early-season schedule that was light on Atlantic Division opponents.
—Eduardo A. Encina, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing
Verb
-
Currently, the vehicles are capable of recreating 90–95 percent of the speed of a human driver, according to Pau.—
Roberto Baldwin,
Ars Technica,
22 Dec. 2024
-
Another thing that impresses me a lot more is its commitment to recreating the atmosphere and mise-en-scène of the feature films.—
Benedict Cosgrove,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
In contrast, immigration and national security are his highest-performing issues, with 53% and 51% of voters approving of his handling of them.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
25 Mar. 2025
-
All three of our center fielders are gonna be back and healthy and performing this season.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Bannon talked over and through Newsom’s questions, goading the governor at certain points, gently mocking him at others.—
Gal Beckerman,
The Atlantic,
20 Mar. 2025
-
In the essay, the 37-year-old recalled how Trachtenberg was often bullied by their peers, with kids mocking her for her role in Harriet the Spy.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Those include a sitting area off the primary bedroom, a dining table on the narrow part of the deck, a patio outfitted for entertaining, and multiple options for lounging by the pool.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2025
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The Modern Family alum could be seen lounging while wearing black bikini bottoms and holding a product from her Toty suncare brand.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
According to Amazon, Nova Act is capable of booking trips, completing online purchases and managing calendars and to-do lists.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
By connecting with external applications, agents can take care of shopping, scheduling, managing travel, and many of our day-to-day interactions with digital services.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Andy Reid isn’t going to change his grinding approach, putting points at a premium.—
Hank Gola,
New York Daily News,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Customers are asked to cut the tree into 5-foot pieces and remove all tinsel, decorations and tree stand before putting the tree out.—
Chase Hunter,
The Mercury News,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Farrar, portraying the observant and multilingual Demetrius, spoke about the invaluable experience of watching Davis and Anderson work.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Grande has been open about the emotional journey of portraying Glinda, which had been her dream role throughout her career.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The sketch sees Sarah Sherman imitating Wood’s Chelsea, cartoonishly wide-eyed, donned in large false teeth and speaking in a thick accent.—
Claire Franken,
TVLine,
13 Apr. 2025
-
The company uses data and AI learning to simulate attacks that go beyond just imitating an individual’s voice – like most modern sophisticated phishing attacks, the technology uses details about someone’s family, background, personality and more.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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