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
Win prizes playing interactive games, network with artists and entrepreneurs and enjoy signature drinks and bar snacks available for purchase.
—
Lesly Gregory,
AJC.com,
1 July 2026
Men leaders can pay attention to and be mindful of who in the workplace may be playing more of an emotional support role that falls outside their job description.
—
Holly Corbett,
Forbes.com,
1 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
The Dodgers are in the midst of playing 13 games in 13 days, and Roberts wanted to make sure that the Japanese sensation got a break.
—
CBS News,
1 July 2026
The Socceroos are playing in the knockout stage for the third time in 20 years but have yet to win an elimination game.
—
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Ella Bruccoleri may be playing a Bennet sister on TV, but the actress wasn’t always a fan of Jane Austen.
—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
25 June 2026
According to court documents, Zimmerman was playing golf at the hotel's course throughout the day with friends.
—
Peter Burditt,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
Nakase has shortened her rotation in the last few weeks, and has shifted to playing more small-ball with players like Kayla Thornton and Janelle Salaün playing more center.
—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
25 June 2026
Lesly Gregory,
AJC.com,
1 July 2026
Men leaders can pay attention to and be mindful of who in the workplace may be playing more of an emotional support role that falls outside their job description.
—
Holly Corbett,
Forbes.com,
1 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
The Dodgers are in the midst of playing 13 games in 13 days, and Roberts wanted to make sure that the Japanese sensation got a break.
—
CBS News,
1 July 2026
The Socceroos are playing in the knockout stage for the third time in 20 years but have yet to win an elimination game.
—
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Ella Bruccoleri may be playing a Bennet sister on TV, but the actress wasn’t always a fan of Jane Austen.
—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
25 June 2026
According to court documents, Zimmerman was playing golf at the hotel's course throughout the day with friends.
—
Peter Burditt,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
Nakase has shortened her rotation in the last few weeks, and has shifted to playing more small-ball with players like Kayla Thornton and Janelle Salaün playing more center.
—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
25 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing
Verb
-
Crafted in white gold, the necklace was adorned with a pavé of blue and light blue sapphires, Paraiba tourmalines and diamonds — all brilliant-cut — recreating the depth and movement of the water.
-
In 2020, Ramírez reunited with Jon Heder for a Burger King commercial, recreating their iconic cafeteria scene to promote BK's cheesy tots.
Verb
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When a company is performing well, investors assume success will continue.
-
Rolling Stone and Page Six report that Nicks is performing at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding next week, on July 3, at Madison Square Garden.
Verb
-
The entertainer gained notoriety on social media in the late 2010s for his sketches mocking everyday scenarios.
-
Within a couple of hours, Wilkins’ replies to the post were flooded with accusations of favoritism, questioning the use of taxpayer funds to book her and mocking her sincerity about being chosen as a performer following high-profile exits from the event.
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.
-
An old recording studio, still adorned with a grand piano, now exists more as a lounging space.
Verb
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Nowadays, Monson de Kansky still keeps busy, whether by managing the Sierra Madre property; spending time with her four children, six grandchildren and cat, Lizzie; keeping up with current affairs and old friends; or, naturally, teaching dance.
-
With the Heat needing to make some important decisions in the coming days to round out its new-look roster around two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, that process even includes managing its three two-way contract slots.
Verb
-
Pete Crow-Armstrong and Bregman both tagged and advanced on the sequence, putting runners on second and third for Suzuki.
-
Gakpo's teammates came onto the filed to support him and formed a circle around him, putting their arms around each other as the crowd cheered, as shown in another video shared by Fox Sports.
Verb
-
The age-gap romance is one that Statsky said the writers have been toying around with for quite some time.
-
The bill is the result of six years of studying and toying around the edges of PBM issues.
Verb
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And another person portraying General Washington was on hand to work the crowd.
-
In portraying the fraught relationship between a young lesbian and her conservative mother, animation becomes both a barrier and a bridge, shielding lived trauma while reaching toward reconciliation and love.
Cite this Entry
“Playing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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