PLAYING Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

playing

verb

present participle of play

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in performing

to present a portrayal or performance of played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic

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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

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as in lounging

to spend time in aimless activity just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in managing

to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently this is how we're going to play the situation

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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

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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 playing That’s because he wasn’t supposed to be playing in the game at one point. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026 Rogers isn’t the only former Giant currently playing for the Blue Jays. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 After playing 50 games over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Caminero arrived for good last season. — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Within the venue gates but outside the stands, groups of friends were playing cornhole and having picnic dinners from food trucks parked onsite; older attendees were chatting and kids were kicking around mini soccer balls. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026 Rascal Flatts were the first big act to extend a tour-opening spot to Swift … but only after their first choice, Eric Church, was fired for playing past his allotted timeframe. — Alison Abbey Hudak, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2026 In addition to playing for the national team, Mendes has played professionally in France, UAE and Turkey. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 To capitalize on this moment of soccer fandom, Gotham FC is playing an exhibition game against the Washington Spirit team at New York’s Citi Field on July 15. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 7 July 2026 Both Johnny and Dee Dee are buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where a statue of Johnny Ramone playing guitar was dedicated in 2005, leading to annual tributes to him in the years that followed. — Peter Larsen, Daily News, 7 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing

Verb

Once the Minions stumble into Hollywood, the film pays homage to early slapstick cinema, recreating scenes made famous by Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 July 2026
Persons recreating outdoors, or in campgrounds, should consider seeking sturdy shelter until this storm passes.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026

Definition of recreating

Verb

But performing fealty to that naïve and impoverished picture of judging had become nearly de rigueur for both liberals and conservatives.

— Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 July 2026
Isolation in many American settlements required a self-reliant approach to performing music.

— Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Definition of performing

Verb

Second lady Usha Vance mocking The New York Times for reading political significance into her Old Navy maternity dress and the New York Knicks celebrating their NBA title were featured in last week's News Quiz.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
This patriotic anthem of the American Revolution originated as a favorite tune of British soldiers, who enjoyed its lyrics mocking American colonists.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026

Definition of mocking

Verb

Unlike during recovery months when high-intensity skiing and snowboarding take precedence, the remainder of the year is much more focused on lounging, pampering and connecting with other guests.

— Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
An old recording studio, still adorned with a grand piano, now exists more as a lounging space.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of lounging

Verb

Belgium was on the front foot from the start, taking six shots and putting two on target in the first eight minutes before going ahead on De Ketelaere’s first goal in the ninth minute.

— Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
A week later, the TPUSA board unanimously voted to install Erika as their new chief executive, putting her at the forefront of his advocacy efforts.

— Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Definition of putting

Verb

The formula is one of those shampoos formulated for a really great wash—delivering moisture and smoothing without toying too far into volumizing, densifying, or hair growth.

— Ellie Davis, Vogue, 25 June 2026
The age-gap romance is one that Statsky said the writers have been toying around with for quite some time.

— Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026

Definition of toying

Verb

Rather than acknowledging the reckless play that earned her suspension, Thomas immediately shifted the focus to herself, portraying her punishment, rather than the hit on Clark, as the real injustice.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Jaafar spoke about portraying the King of Pop, who’s also his uncle, in the film.

— Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026