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
While Congress currently appears inclined to reject those reductions, most universities are playing it very cautiously with respect to research and graduate education commitments, given the uncertainty that’s likely to continue at the federal level.
—
Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Mesidor lacks ideal length and turns 25 in April after playing six college seasons.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
To risk playing a rich man for the first time — so, not your average Italian or what has been defined as such.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
In middle school at Imagine International Academy, Swavay was quiet and dreamed of playing basketball.
—Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 28 Jan. 2026
In addition, Heat guard Norman Powell is questionable for Wednesday’s matchup against the Magic after playing through low back tightness in the last few games.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
The large tabletop is ideal for setting out snacks or playing a game with friends, while the distressed, two-tone brown-and-white finish blends easily with existing furniture.
—Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Garrett opted to stick with his lineup that had been playing well for most of the fourth quarter rather than subbing in fresh legs off the bench during San Clemente’s run.
—Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Simmons had a heroic night with eight points and eight rebounds, playing much of it as an undersized 5-man with Magoon Gwath injured and the other bigs in foul trouble.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Mesidor lacks ideal length and turns 25 in April after playing six college seasons.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
To risk playing a rich man for the first time — so, not your average Italian or what has been defined as such.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
In middle school at Imagine International Academy, Swavay was quiet and dreamed of playing basketball.
—Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 28 Jan. 2026
In addition, Heat guard Norman Powell is questionable for Wednesday’s matchup against the Magic after playing through low back tightness in the last few games.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
The large tabletop is ideal for setting out snacks or playing a game with friends, while the distressed, two-tone brown-and-white finish blends easily with existing furniture.
—Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Garrett opted to stick with his lineup that had been playing well for most of the fourth quarter rather than subbing in fresh legs off the bench during San Clemente’s run.
—Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Simmons had a heroic night with eight points and eight rebounds, playing much of it as an undersized 5-man with Magoon Gwath injured and the other bigs in foul trouble.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing
Verb
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Curious about what opportunities could arise, Ellis took photos of himself recreating Smith's magazine poses, per the outlet, and he was instantly booked.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
25 Jan. 2026
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The images accompanying this story show protesters recreating the act at demonstrations outside Iran, not the woman featured in the original viral video.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But when equity markets aren’t performing well, collections take a major hit.—
Lanhee J. Chen,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Shukurova did not follow standard surgical procedures, such as taking the victim's medical history or performing a basic physical exam, per the district attorney's press release.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The White House had celebrated Lemon’s arrest with a mocking post on X on Friday.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The president also shared clips of the video on his Truth Social handle, along with posts mocking and attacking Pretti.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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For running errands, working out, or lounging around the house, grab these best-selling joggers that are even backed by dance instructors.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Mobs of kangaroos and wallabies are easy to spot lounging in open fields during golden hours.—
Laura Kiniry,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Experts recommend managing chronic stress with mindfulness, meditation and consistent physical activity to help lower cortisol levels and support healthier metabolic function and weight regulation, per Cleveland Clinic.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Peterson, who missed the last game due to an ankle sprain and is still managing cramping issues, played 20 minutes, with just three coming in the second half.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That, and putting your people first, is what matters first and foremost; everything else follows after.—
Rachel Wells,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Washington — Federal Reserve officials convene this week at a pivotal moment in the US central bank’s 112-year history, with a series of historic events putting a spotlight on their ability to set interest rates without political interference.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Even the most inspirational films about growing up in the inner-city have a tendency to look down on their subjects, portraying them as characters to be rescued or redeemed.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Later in her career, Wendel also stepped into voice acting, portraying Aunt Grizelda in the film adaptation of The Lorax.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, previously said in a statement that accounts imitating other people go against their terms of service and are removed when flagged.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
26 Jan. 2026
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Broncos fans have rallied around their backup quarterback, with thousands of fans changing their social media avatars to a picture of Stidham’s face, photoshopped with sunglasses and headphones, imitating a LeBron James meme.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Playing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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