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
When the reports surfaced that the Saudis were cutting off LIV’s funding, the league was playing a tournament in Mexico City.
—
Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
Promotion to League One in just their second attempt after taking 132 years to reach the EFL is one thing, but their playing style under former Brentford and Northampton goalkeeper Andy Woodman only adds to the curiosity around them.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
My producers and my band are playing all over the album.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
On April 20, the 48-year-old former quarterback shared a video of himself and his 13-year-old daughter, Vivian, playing volleyball outside during a nighttime session.
—Ryan Brennan
april 22, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Young children playing together to me is so exquisitely beautiful and innocent.
—Maria Bamford, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
Mbiya had eight points and three rebounds while playing 16 minutes in KU’s first-round victory over Cal Baptist.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Greene came in ready for a full season of hockey after playing two games in 2024-25.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Patrick Reed also left LIV and is playing a European tour schedule this year.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
Promotion to League One in just their second attempt after taking 132 years to reach the EFL is one thing, but their playing style under former Brentford and Northampton goalkeeper Andy Woodman only adds to the curiosity around them.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
My producers and my band are playing all over the album.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
On April 20, the 48-year-old former quarterback shared a video of himself and his 13-year-old daughter, Vivian, playing volleyball outside during a nighttime session.
—Ryan Brennan
april 22, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Young children playing together to me is so exquisitely beautiful and innocent.
—Maria Bamford, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
Mbiya had eight points and three rebounds while playing 16 minutes in KU’s first-round victory over Cal Baptist.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Greene came in ready for a full season of hockey after playing two games in 2024-25.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Patrick Reed also left LIV and is playing a European tour schedule this year.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing
Verb
-
Rather than recreating the Eames House, the new Pavilion System distills its essential elements—the grid, the interplay of structure, and the infill—into something that can be built, adapted and deployed across different environments.—
Kieron Marchese,
Architectural Digest,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Shepherd herself dressed up as Steve Urkel for the special episode, interviewing Payton and VelJohnson on a set recreating the Winslow's living room.—
Sharareh Drury,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents' Association, said in a statement that the renowned performing artist will offer a thrilling glimpse into the minds of newsmakers.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
-
For the project, Theron, famous for performing the vast majority of her stunts in action films like Atomic Blonde and The Old Guard, trained with rock climber Beth Rodden to believably portray Sasha, an avid adventurer.—
Nigel Smith,
PEOPLE,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Punk then resorted to mocking Reigns.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
-
In non-CinemaCon news, the looksmaxx influencer managed to unite the internets in mocking his dew-eyed meltdown and interview walk-off over being asked modestly difficult questions about his reputation (instead of being asked, say, which moisturizer is best for post-jaw hammering).—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open from the bedroom onto a private deck for morning yoga or simply lounging on rocking chairs, and from the living area to a smaller one to enjoy your evening tea on.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Perfect for lounging on a slow Sunday afternoon.—
Helena Madden,
Martha Stewart,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Stafford is 38 and managing degenerative back issues.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Micky Arison is listed as managing general partner.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In between, Michael Carrick took United to Stamford Bridge and won, putting the club on the brink of Champions League qualification.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Longtime friends and streetwear giants Nigo and Jun Takahashi are putting their minds together once again — and now with Nike in the mix.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The bill is the result of six years of studying and toying around the edges of PBM issues.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Ann Jillian went from a Disney child star to a '80s sitcom favorite, even portraying her own battle with cancer on screen.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Yes, Jaafar is actually singing while portraying Michael, with the late singer's vocals also being blended into some of the tracks.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Playing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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