as in spends
to make complete use of
we've finally played out the leftovers from that huge holiday meal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of plays out
This comes as a Big 12 lawsuit against the university and others, plays out in court.
—
S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 16 June 2026
Cynthia wants to get down to the bottom of Shamea’s erratic behavior, and the scene plays out like an angsty teen getting sent to the principal’s office.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 15 June 2026
Less than two miles away, a similarly bustling scene plays out on California Avenue, often considered Palo Alto’s second downtown.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
The thriller plays out from the perspective of both women.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 9 June 2026
In humans with advanced metabolic disease, the same collapse plays out in Charcot’s foot, where the bones of the ankle and midfoot fracture and disintegrate under the weight of a body the metabolism can no longer regulate.
—Joshua Moen, STAT, 8 June 2026
While that plays out, Gomez's term is slated to end June 30.
—ABC News, 26 May 2026
Of course the Kentucky Derby showed more of the same, but depending on how the race plays out at Saratoga, Pletcher’s charge may not be coming from far off the pace.
—Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
How that distinction plays out may define the next decade of the energy industry.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 18 May 2026
S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 16 June 2026
Cynthia wants to get down to the bottom of Shamea’s erratic behavior, and the scene plays out like an angsty teen getting sent to the principal’s office.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 15 June 2026
Less than two miles away, a similarly bustling scene plays out on California Avenue, often considered Palo Alto’s second downtown.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
The thriller plays out from the perspective of both women.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 9 June 2026
In humans with advanced metabolic disease, the same collapse plays out in Charcot’s foot, where the bones of the ankle and midfoot fracture and disintegrate under the weight of a body the metabolism can no longer regulate.
—Joshua Moen, STAT, 8 June 2026
While that plays out, Gomez's term is slated to end June 30.
—ABC News, 26 May 2026
Of course the Kentucky Derby showed more of the same, but depending on how the race plays out at Saratoga, Pletcher’s charge may not be coming from far off the pace.
—Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
How that distinction plays out may define the next decade of the energy industry.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 18 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays out
Verb
-
Alicent's father is the Hand of the King, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), who spends years maneuvering to make sure his grandson inherits the Iron Throne.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
-
All told, Negodiuk spends about $600 a month on tokens for AI agents.—
Elaine Pofeldt,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
All in all, the researchers estimated their new device consumes at most one-tenth the power of current state-of-the-art electronic neuromorphic hardware.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
18 June 2026
-
Every inefficient query consumes additional compute resources.—
Chhandomay Mandal,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
The sensation, and the tranquility that comes with it, will stay with you long after the water drains away.—
Alissa Greenberg,
Mercury News,
15 June 2026
-
Lavender prefers coarse, sandy soil that drains quickly.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Watching this scene, and much of the film, exhausts me.—
Jenny Odell,
Longreads,
2 June 2026
-
If the search for a large outdoor planter exhausts you—just get a terra-cotta planter.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Asked about arms sales to Taiwan, Hegseth downplayed concerns that a multi-billion-dollar package could be affected as the United States draws down its weapons stockpiles amid the Middle East conflict.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
-
The Bulgarian warrant pilot has to clear before any of the $100 million pipeline behind it draws down.—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2026
Verb
-
This degrades your brake system’s stopping power, which reduces the overall safety of your vehicle.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
-
While magnesium may support a healthy heart, there is no clear evidence that taking magnesium supplements reduces your risk of heart disease or regulates your blood pressure.—
Emmanuella Ogbonna,
Health,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Zeolite absorbs excess oil while silk powder creates airy body and grit, making limp hair look instantly fuller and more lived-in.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
19 June 2026
-
Mineral sunscreens such as zinc or titanium oxide ward off the Sun’s rays by forming a protective film that also absorbs most UV light, but reflects some of it.—
Guy German,
The Conversation,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
This 3-in-1 set uses the nutribullet Ultra Motor Base to power personal blending, food processing, and coffee and spice grinding, delivering full-kitchen functionality within one space-saving design.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 June 2026
-
Lillet Blanc is a floral French aperitif that's boozier than wine but breezier than gin, and our refreshing take uses rosemary simple syrup and a splash of bubbly.—
Ashlyn Ware,
Midwest Living,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plays out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20out. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
