as in spends
to make complete use of
we've finally played out the leftovers from that huge holiday meal
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Recent Examples of plays out
The chapter plays out almost like an extended scene out of a Mike Leigh film.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025
In Indonesia, that competition plays out in the clearest terms.
—Lela London, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
The struggle plays out repeatedly across Chicago.
—Miguel Chacon, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2025
How the depth chart plays out at the running back spot will be a big question mark going into cutdown day, but Blue figures to factor into the mix at the top for a feature role in the offense.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2025
The album reflects a small but increasingly apparent divide among Yiddishists, and the Jewish public in general, that often plays out in generational terms.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025
In Indonesia, that competition plays out in the clearest terms.
—Lela London, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
The struggle plays out repeatedly across Chicago.
—Miguel Chacon, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2025
How the depth chart plays out at the running back spot will be a big question mark going into cutdown day, but Blue figures to factor into the mix at the top for a feature role in the offense.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2025
The album reflects a small but increasingly apparent divide among Yiddishists, and the Jewish public in general, that often plays out in generational terms.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays out
Verb
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Next summer, the Star Princess will be the first Sphere-class ship to sail Alaska, where half of Princess’s fleet spends its summers.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
14 Oct. 2025
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Gage also spends significant time reflecting on his childhood in San Diego and opens up about his recent borderline personality diagnosis.—
Seija Rankin,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Altman previously said the average ChatGPT query consumes as much energy as a lightbulb would in a couple of minutes.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
13 Oct. 2025
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Compared to traditional indigo dyeing, the process consumes 83 percent less water and 32 percent less energy and reduces CO₂ emissions and steam usage.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Most indoor plants are watered from the top until the water drains from the pot through the drainage holes.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
9 Oct. 2025
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Watch for when the sun hits different sections of your garden, how water drains after a heavy rain, and what critters (large and small) like to stop by for a visit.—
Mike Irvine,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Instead of gradually boiling into insanity, the film hits fever pitch hallucinations right away and quickly exhausts itself attempting to keep pace.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
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Many market observers are urging investors to rebalance their portfolios, while also acknowledging there could be further upside before the AI rally exhausts itself.—
Sean Conlon,Sarah Min,
CNBC,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Cleaning refrigerator coils helps the appliance run efficiently, extends its life, and reduces your energy bill.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Oct. 2025
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Compared to traditional indigo dyeing, the process consumes 83 percent less water and 32 percent less energy and reduces CO₂ emissions and steam usage.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Cook, stirring occasionally, until rice absorbs most of stock.—
Marianne Williams,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
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Turf absorbs heat from the sun and can become much hotter than natural grass, creating a health hazard, according to the Center for Environmental Health.—
Jon-David Regis,
NBC news,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Reports of early concepts include a screenless, wearable device that uses voice input and subtle haptics, envisioned more as an ambient companion than a traditional gadget.—
MacKenzie Sigalos,
CNBC,
14 Oct. 2025
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Among the allegations, the USTR determined that China uses state subsidies to lessen competition and create dependencies on the country for non-market entrants.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Key Takeaways The number of calories a person burns during a mile run averages around 100, but there is considerable variation depending on several factors, especially weight.—
Nancy LeBrun,
Verywell Health,
8 Oct. 2025
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In fact, Anderson is laughing at both sides while the world burns.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plays out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20out. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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