PLYING Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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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

Now, Iran said a pair of oil tankers hit naval mines while plying the Strait of Hormuz. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 While Ferran headed to Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, veteran Lewandowski is now plying his trade in the MLS with the Chicago Fire. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Perhaps the next target for cellphone usage should be in supermarkets where some shoppers unsuccessfully try to multitask while plying grocery aisles. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 Like the other pros plying this particular trade, Cooper was capable of evoking distressing scenes with an untroubled matter-of-factness. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 In 2014, Andrew Tate began his pornographic webcamming empire, recruiting women by dating and plying them with gifts. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plying

Verb

On the other hand, higher Fed rates typically bolster the attractiveness of dollar assets, exerting depreciation pressure on local currencies.

— , CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Trump successfully exerting political control over the Fed would be extremely bad news for just about everyone.

— Cameron Peters, Vox, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of exerting

Verb

Ilinčić’s show borrowed the delicate ropes of octogenarian textile artist Françoise Grossen weaving them into dresses, skirts, bags and belts.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Lange walked hand in hand with Lourd, weaving through the crowd and holding court.

— Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of weaving

Verb

By using a dedicated promotional code, readers can unlock the full October Prime Day discount immediately, alongside an additional $20 off the sale price.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
That is precisely the lens Sébastien Meunier is using for his spring 2027 collection and a subsequent installation at the 41st edition of the Hyères International Festival of Fashion, Photography and Fashion Accessories in October.

— Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of using

Verb

For much of the 1990s and 2000s, Guatemala had been twisting its way toward democracy, but corruption networks and drug traffickers had insinuated themselves into the country’s institutions.

— Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
But Mulderrig’s red Harley-Davidson Sportster slammed into the rear passenger side of Oates’ Cadillac, crumpling the back corner and twisting the wheel out of shape.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of twisting

Verb

The state should have to individually make cases to collect the money rather than automatically applying liens.

— Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Doing so would entail repairing cracks that admit water, maintaining the foundations of each section, applying a sealant to slow the weathering process, and keeping the encroachment of vegetation in check.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of applying

Verb

Hansen may be the star of the show, but Andie pulls the strings, wielding her authority with an ever-present smack of chewing gum.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
Another portrays him as wielding defibrillator paddles in a hospital room over a patient flatlining from taxes imposed by Democrats.

— Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of wielding

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ply

plying

plying (with)

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“Plying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plying. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of plying

verb (1)

verb (2)

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