wordplay

Definition of wordplaynext

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 wordplay But Cash’s most original and engaging writing is slightly out of step with reality and bleakly funny, devoted to wordplay and willing to be foolish about it. Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026 The song itself features high-energy beats and Rocky's classic wordplay. Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026 Many of her jokes relied heavily on wordplay, like one about how the Rock might win a Globe because The Paper wasn’t nominated, but even sweaty double entendres like this landed well because Glaser moved on so quickly that there was no time for groans. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026 The verbiage is full of great wordplay and wit, just like a Larry Hart song. Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wordplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wordplay
Noun
  • Ziegler’s humor and sympathy for her characters—including Creon, who desperately wants to do right by everyone—saves the conflict between individual and state from heavy-handedness.
    Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Excerpts from the audiocassettes of Long’s interviews are a strong element of Evans’ doc, and playful music cues underscore the humor and passion that course through this particularly American saga, along with a whole lot of pain.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Grace balances a razor sharp wit with striking sincerity and absolute cool.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The poor thing must’ve been scared out of its wits.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In Entertainment Weekly's exclusive first look at Daniels' first appearance in the Apple TV comedy, Jimmy and Randy sit at the dinner table, where Jimmy is served a healthy helping of parental ribbing.
    Ashley Boucher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The friendly ribbing is rooted in respect.
    Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The decision received some mocking on social media.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Strip Law is a show that prefers to keep everything very close to the surface, including its case-of-the-week mocking of how surface-level Las Vegas is — even if roughly half those cases don’t have much to do with Vegas at all.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Here’s what winning a National Championship taught me about B2B sales 🏆 (kidding…kinda) 1.
    Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Just kidding, Kim’s is a real and rational response, but Natalie is not having it.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wordplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wordplay. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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