plying 1 of 2

verb (1)

present participle of ply
as in exerting
to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively she plied all of her charm and intelligence to convince everyone to volunteer as tutors

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plying

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of ply
as in weaving
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 plying
Verb
Hunte himself is a big draw; he's often reclined on the balcony of his wooden plantation house, plying guests with his own brand of rum—not for the faint of heart. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 The 6-foot-2 goalkeeper has been plying his craft professionally for nearly two decades, having bounced around to nine different club teams in the process. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026 These challenges are why solar sails aren't yet plying the vastness of space. — Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 31 May 2026 This allows local broadcasters and streamers to build their own packages around national stars plying their trade in the Premier League, and for PLP to ensure new content was available at the start of every new season. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 May 2026 The kitschy Bubble Room restaurant is serving up its legendary sky-high slices of cake, and Captiva Cruises has a full schedule of sunset, wildlife watching, and sightseeing tours plying the local waterways. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 16 May 2026 From there, the Amerongen sailed east, plying colonial trade routes around Java. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 14 May 2026 No one has been plying his trade on Katella Avenue longer than Terry, and that’s shown through in his leadership by example, his support of his teammates and his production. — Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 However, in a preliminary list announced by the head coach this week — which previewed the names of players currently plying their trade in the Mexican league — a vacant spot was left among the goalkeepers specifically for players based abroad. — German Fernández-Moores, Houston Chronicle, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plying
  1. exerting
  2. weaving
  3. using
  4. twisting
  5. applying
  6. wielding
Verb
  • But sometimes just thinking about tackling those jobs can feel exhausting, creating a barrier to success even for people who are highly motivated to improve their homes and their lives by exerting control over their belongings.
    — Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 18 July 2026
  • Supporters argue that these efforts are necessary to preserve attorney independence, protect client confidentiality, and prevent investors from exerting undue influence over lawyers.
    — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of exerting
Verb
  • More magic can be found on the tiny streets weaving through Florence.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026
  • The region was part of a much older textile tradition, with generations of artisans spinning, dyeing and weaving cotton into a lightweight, breathable fabric to combat the temperatures of the subcontinent.
    — Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of weaving
Verb
  • Concerned that the programs’ growing sophistication could induce emotional dependency and addiction, China last week banned minors from using AI companions and imposed additional requirements on platforms to prevent misuse.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • At the time of his death, Garcia-Sanchez was hauling asbestos-containing materials from the ninth floor to lower levels using a freight elevator, the report said.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Definition of using
Verb
  • In whatever looping scenario might be chosen, the next step involves twisting a cap on the locking mechanism to take up the slack in the cable.
    — Ben Coxworth July 18, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
  • The beluga came from below and passed in one swooping motion, twisting to display its chest to onlookers.
    — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
Definition of twisting
Verb
  • By applying sunscreen before heading outdoors, reapplying throughout the day and pairing it with other forms of sun protection, Mercer said people can reduce their risk of sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer.
    — Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
  • These two drivers are poised to reaccelerate earnings by increasing high-margin recurring revenue and applying DBS to systematically improve Masimo's margins.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of applying
Verb
  • Further on down the tunnel, a work crew of contractors stood atop a flatbed car, wielding long drills and boring into the side of the tunnel.
    — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026
  • The 2018 Russian World Cup was a vehicle for President Vladimir Putin to project prestige while wielding a staggering crackdown on civil society and LGBT rights.
    — Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of wielding

Browse Nearby Words

ply
plying
plying (with)
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Cite this Entry

“Plying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plying. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of plying for Spanish Speakers

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