PLAYS (ON OR UPON) Synonyms: 24 Similar Words

plays (on or upon)

verb

present tense third-person singular of play (on or upon)

as in uses

to take unfair advantage of the candidate played on the voters' prejudices

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays (on or upon)

Verb

The program also uses 16 buoy systems to send live detection data to lifeguards.

— Kori McNair, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
When someone uses a TrumpRx coupon for a brand-name drug at the pharmacy counter, GoodRx processes the claim on the back end.

— Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 16 July 2026

Definition of uses

Verb

New York City’s child welfare agency routinely abuses its emergency power to take children from their parents without a court order, creating lifelong consequences for families, a new class-action lawsuit seeking to end the practice alleged Thursday.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
People deserve a government that watches out for our people’s best interests, not one that abuses its powers and sells us to the highest bidder.

— Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

Definition of abuses

Verb

Okorie is the best driving guard in the class, a 6-1 jitterbug who manipulates defenders with a tight handle, sudden changes of speed, and an advanced feel for the game.

— Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 16 June 2026
Facial massage manipulates big muscles in the face, such as the masseters, temporalis and platysma, as well as fascia.

— Lauren Finney Harden, AJC.com, 10 June 2026

Definition of manipulates

Verb

Take, for example, Google's 2024 agreement with Kairos Power, which leverages small modular reactors with the goal of providing 24/7 baseload clean power.

— Junaid Ali, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
With a Bachelor's Degree in Music Technology, Christian leverages his industry knowledge to review audio products for PCMag, including Bluetooth headphones and speakers.

— Christian de Looper, PC Magazine, 8 July 2026

Definition of leverages

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.

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plays hooky

plays (on or upon)

plays out

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“Plays (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of plays (on or upon)

verb

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