ply 1 of 3

Definition of plynext
as in to exert
to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively she plied all of her charm and intelligence to convince everyone to volunteer as tutors

Synonyms & Similar Words

ply

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to weave
to cause to twine about one another two single yarns were plied together to get the fabric that smooth, firm feel

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 ply
Noun
The 38-year-old living legend plies his trade for Miami FC and hopes to lead Argentina to a repeat as World Cup champion in 2026. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 26 May 2026 Most percale sheets are made with single-ply threads, which provides its signature crisp feel, and the pima cotton make up has longer fibers than regular cotton for a gentler feel on sensitive skin. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026
Verb
That’s more than enough breathing room for a modern retro that’s mostly meant to ply on slick tarmac. — New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026 Waymos started plying Denver’s streets less than a month ago. — John Aguilar, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ply
Noun
  • However, the appointment has received flak, as comments James made about the case before she was tapped to lead the investigation have drawn accusations of bias from lawyers of the seven men accused.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Psychologists call it normalcy bias — the idea that tomorrow will look a lot like yesterday.
    — Marc Silver, NPR, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Far above them in social station are the Balfours, who exert considerable political influence from a stately manse.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Iran has increased drone strikes and other attacks on commercial ships to exert its own pressure on the United States, with October marking the highest number of ship attacks since the war began.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The fantasy film about a woman (Olivia Colman) who weaves a perfect lover (Alexander Skarsgård) out of the titular material is one of the happy box office surprises of Q4 so far.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In the build-up, Almirón weaved through Toronto’s defense and played a give-and-go with Alexey Miranchuk, who assisted on the winger’s goal.
    — Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • These efforts will be made more difficult by AI’s unpredictable nature, recent cybersecurity issues, and the tendency of AI search tools to reflect back results users want to see.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Adeyemi has a tendency to go off on tangents about astrology, tarots, mystical energy.
    — Wisdom Iheanyichukwu, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The senator also used her remarks to underscore the stakes of electing lawmakers willing to withstand pressure from lobbyists and wealthy donors.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 3 Nov. 2026
  • However, sometimes chuck and top sirloin are used, offering a richer, more flavorful, marbled cut.
    — Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The incident has renewed concerns about anti-Hindu prejudice and the safety of religious and cultural celebrations in the United States.
    — Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The show explores immigration, prejudice and what the American Dream costs, with stories from both sides of the law.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Proponents say the measure applies to eight categories of projects California communities need to expand housing, improve civic infrastructure and promote green energy.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • On the other hand, many of these albums are timeless and continue to resonate, and today’s streaming culture has embraced exhuming catalog music — something that applies not only to old singles, but to old albums.
    — Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Croft was a candidate to become the next House Speaker, who can wield major control of what bills are considered in the chamber.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
  • When the next Congress convenes in January, the Democrats will wield the subpoena power that comes with committee control, giving them the authority to compel testimony and the disclosure of documents.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ply. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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