ply 1 of 3

ply

2 of 3

verb (1)

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 most important part and the largest cost is the five-ply cladded body, which includes a combination of stainless steel and aluminum. Emily Lorsch, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2025 Opulent tannins and vivid acidity ply the palate alongside purple plum, black cherry, cocoa powder, and sage. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 13 July 2025
Verb
The 6-foot-6 swingman has yet to make his NBA debut, having plied his trade for the G League affiliates of the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz since 2023. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025 Husseini attempted to ply him with patronage, appointing him imam of a new mosque, but the cleric’s burgeoning following augured poorly for Husseini’s grip on power. Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ply
Noun
  • The midi dress featured some 1930s inspiration, with a bias cut and sash detailing adorned with a floral appliqué.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
  • There was no reporter on the ground with bias.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Aside from these Nazi-ish tendencies, Frankenstein is erotically obsessed with the borders of life and death, with wounds and organs being specific sites of fascination; meanwhile, Katrin’s attraction to a lowly, virile farmhand (Joe Dallesandro) jeopardises the sanctity of the experiments.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
  • This failure was not due to a lack of warnings, but to a deeper human tendency to discount the unthinkable.
    Big Think, Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The poster described their family’s prejudices in detail.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Doesn't everybody have a little star sign prejudice?
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ply. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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