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
Rookie Anthony Belton, playing right tackle for an injured Zach Tom, had a holding penalty that negated a 39-yard touchdown to Jayden Reed.
—
Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
But there is something to getting in a room and all playing music together, which is what that record was born from.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025
The actor has also brought that perspective to the screen, playing memorable father figures — most notably Larry in Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film Lady Bird.
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Significant injuries are never easy to deal with, and the Washington Commanders experienced one on Thursday while playing the Green Bay Packers.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
So, against the background of Zapad and its attendant saber-rattling, Lukashenko may be playing good cop to Putin’s bad cop.
—Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Country kids playing in the barn.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Sep. 2025
The Chiefs also were playing without rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals, who is recovering from an injury.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Thanks for playing — and share your scores in the comments!
—Mark Cooper, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
But there is something to getting in a room and all playing music together, which is what that record was born from.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025
The actor has also brought that perspective to the screen, playing memorable father figures — most notably Larry in Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film Lady Bird.
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Significant injuries are never easy to deal with, and the Washington Commanders experienced one on Thursday while playing the Green Bay Packers.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
So, against the background of Zapad and its attendant saber-rattling, Lukashenko may be playing good cop to Putin’s bad cop.
—Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Country kids playing in the barn.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Sep. 2025
The Chiefs also were playing without rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals, who is recovering from an injury.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Thanks for playing — and share your scores in the comments!
—Mark Cooper, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing
Verb
-
Without clarity, organizations risk recreating inefficiencies and adding even more complexity.—
Carl D'Halluin,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Harry Potter Quidditch Practice Apart from watching the films and rereading the books, another way to relive the magic of Harry Potter is by recreating iconic scenes via Lego builds.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
There are, however, key technical challenges such as generating on-demand, indistinguishable single photons with high efficiency, and the probabilistic nature of photonic gates (the electronic elements in a computer performing logic operations).—
Gil Press,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
And that receiver, now 33, is likewise performing as if age is just another number.—
Nate Atkins,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Student accused of mocking Charlie Kirk death Camryn Giselle Booker, a student at Texas Tech University, was arrested on charges of assault after an altercation with students mourning the death of Charlie Kirk.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon is seeking to identify and potentially discipline anyone who has made posts celebrating or mocking Kirk’s death.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This cute camisole is perfect for lounging around or pairing with your favorite sweatpants or leggings.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Matching sets remove the daily challenge of having to coordinate an outfit and are comfortable for a day of lounging or working from home.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Coping Strategies For Fall Fatigue In The Workplace Quesenberry advises that the key to managing fall fatigue is to be proactive and make small, intentional adjustments to your daily routine like setting boundaries and prioritizing rest can safeguard mental well-being during this time of year.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The driver who takes you into the park is putting his kids through school.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Always air-dry liners rather than putting them in the dryer.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Farrell is known for often portraying the ultimate villain on screen, having starred as Lord Percival Graves in the 2016 hit Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and the Penguin in 2022's The Batman.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
15 Sep. 2025
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Katherine LaNasa won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for portraying the show’s ever-busy charge nurse, Dana Evans.—
Rosa Escandon,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The clarinet and piano played musical lines imitating birds.—
Rebecca Coffey,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
In the image, the president is also backdropped by a city beach covered with fire and smoke, seemingly imitating an active war zone.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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