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
Former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun was also found guilty Thursday of playing a major role in the insurrection and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
—
Helen Regan, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
On a frigid night recently, about a dozen people arrived at the Evanston Public Library to try playing a new game created by Steven Franconeri, a Northwestern University psychology professor.
—Jeff Banowetz, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Sheeran is currently playing stadiums around Australia for his Loop Tour.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2026
If Powell is playing dress-up, Margaret Qualley’s Julia is playing chess.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
Bell, who stars and exec produces the buzzy Netflix comedy series, Nobody Wants This, already has a thriving voicework career, thanks to playing Anna in the Disney’s Frozen movies.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
The Rangers have spent the offseason looking for a bargain right-handed bat capable of playing the outfield and serving as a hedge against opponents going to left-handed relievers late in games.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
Irving and Davis only wound up playing 25 minutes together in Dallas.
—Christian Clark, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Baseball owners, with Dick Monfort playing a prominent role as a hawk in labor negotiations, are expected to lock out the players after this season, seeking a salary cap, believing that is the only reason the Dodgers win.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2026
Helen Regan, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
On a frigid night recently, about a dozen people arrived at the Evanston Public Library to try playing a new game created by Steven Franconeri, a Northwestern University psychology professor.
—Jeff Banowetz, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Sheeran is currently playing stadiums around Australia for his Loop Tour.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2026
If Powell is playing dress-up, Margaret Qualley’s Julia is playing chess.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
Bell, who stars and exec produces the buzzy Netflix comedy series, Nobody Wants This, already has a thriving voicework career, thanks to playing Anna in the Disney’s Frozen movies.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
The Rangers have spent the offseason looking for a bargain right-handed bat capable of playing the outfield and serving as a hedge against opponents going to left-handed relievers late in games.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
Irving and Davis only wound up playing 25 minutes together in Dallas.
—Christian Clark, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Baseball owners, with Dick Monfort playing a prominent role as a hawk in labor negotiations, are expected to lock out the players after this season, seeking a salary cap, believing that is the only reason the Dodgers win.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing
Verb
-
And reimagining the story rather than faithfully recreating it might be the right strategy.—
Natasha O'Neill,
Vanity Fair,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Experts say the high death toll was due to the sheer quantity of people recreating in the region following the coronavirus pandemic.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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One of his favorite memories wasn’t taking pictures, but performing with Bob at a Grammy party.—
Alison Weinflash,
Rolling Stone,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Patrick Smith / Getty Images Athletes jump off a near-vertical ramp, launching themselves in the air and performing complex aerobatics, reaching speeds of up to more than 65 km per hour.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This self-mocking move may be just the prelude to a fuller jeans-guy renaissance, Heffernan suggested.—
Daniel Engber,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Strickland said, mocking NFL leadership.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Some travelers love vacations that involve doing absolutely nothing—trips where lounging by the beach or pool, napping, reading, or going for a light swim are the most rigorous activities on the agenda.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
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The fabric drapes for a put-together look equally suitable for lounging on a couch, sitting on a plane, running errands, or having brunch with friends.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
City staff is evaluating options for managing the orchard, including working with existing staff.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
-
With a dual perspective, this novel follows Maya managing her grief and facing the past while mothers in China are forced to give up their own daughters.—
Amanda Favazza,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In 2024, girl group ILLIT became the first K-pop rookie group to enter the Billboard 100 with their debut single, putting a bigger spotlight on the talent platformed in these shows.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Even with an already comfortable lead, Coronado’s attack kept putting shots on frame, logging two second-half goals.—
Clark Fahrenthold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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But Thornton is less interested in portraying his characters as victims than survivors, bound together by the strength of love and resilience.—
Teresa Xie,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2026
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To see an artist of this caliber in such a vulnerable position of trying something new coincided with portraying a character at a turning point in his life.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Playing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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