play make-believe
idiom
: to think of an imaginary world and pretend to live in it as people, animals, fairies, etc.
children playing make-believe
Examples of play make-believe in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The clubhouse has working doors and a steering wheel so kids can play make-believe, transforming this swing set into a racecar, boat, or even a spaceship—wherever their imagination takes them.
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Erica Reagle, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2023
Little ones can get lost in a dense ‘forest’ of pool noodles, or commandeer a pirate ship and play make-believe with a treasure chest full of costumes and treasures.
—Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 7 June 2021
Some of you would have Popovich play make-believe, though.
—Mike Finger, ExpressNews.com, 11 July 2020
Even young chimpanzees seem to play make-believe.
—Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 2 June 2020
Erica Reagle, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2023
Little ones can get lost in a dense ‘forest’ of pool noodles, or commandeer a pirate ship and play make-believe with a treasure chest full of costumes and treasures.
—Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 7 June 2021
Some of you would have Popovich play make-believe, though.
—Mike Finger, ExpressNews.com, 11 July 2020
Even young chimpanzees seem to play make-believe.
—Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 2 June 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'play make-believe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near play make-believe
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“Play make-believe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20make-believe. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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