1
as in to recreate
to engage in activity for amusement
told her son that he needed some time to run and play in the yard after his hard work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to perform
to present a portrayal or performance of
played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to pose (as)
to pretend to be (what one is not) in appearance or behavior
stop playing the innocent, because I know that you were behind that prank
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to lounge
to spend time in aimless activity
just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to manipulate
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
this is how we're going to play the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself
it's such a delight to watch the children in their play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in drama
a written work in which the story is told through speech and action that is intended to be acted out on stage
we'll be putting on a school play using that stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in game
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously
I didn't mean to insult anyone, for it was all just play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in use
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose
the host's sense of humor was obviously in play during the awards ceremony
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
the guy at the bar made an unusually creative play to get her phone number
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of play
Gary Graff, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
Jordan plays Miss Bonita, a pretty teacher who has caught the attention of Cory (Kyle Massey).
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025
This season, however, there is the possibility of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, with the Heat struggling for play-in position.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
My son Tal plays guitar, drums, bass, flutes, everything.
—Gary Graff, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
Jordan plays Miss Bonita, a pretty teacher who has caught the attention of Cory (Kyle Massey).
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
And the Royals have come to expect similar plays from him each night.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025
This season, however, there is the possibility of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, with the Heat struggling for play-in position.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Verb
-
For example, Dries Sels and colleagues at New York University performed similar calculations on a regular laptop using tensor networks – which reduce the amount of data and hence energy needed to perform simulations, reported New Scientist.—
Peter Cohan,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
The year prior, Alice performed at the college's 2009 commencement ceremony, where Dash's band, Runaway Phoenix, backed him up.—
Nicole Briese,
People.com,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The low-slung wood frame just begs to be lounged upon, while the white water-resistant cushions add a clean finish.—
Will Porter,
Architectural Digest,
21 Mar. 2025
-
The clip starts with Smith lounging in a Thai hotel swimming pool.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Some billions of years later, some of that multicellular life figured out how to be reasonably smart and start using tools to manipulate and control its environment.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Cybercriminals can trick authentication systems, approve fraudulent transactions or even manipulate corporate communications.—
Khurram Akhtar,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The unemployment rate also ticked up to 4.1% as the Trump administration continued its large-scale slashing of government jobs and back and forth over its trade policy, both of which unsettled businesses and households — putting pressure on the economy.—
Andrew Torgan,
CNN Money,
30 Mar. 2025
-
In other words, Foster just put himself on a loudly ticking clock.—
Ben Bolch,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Outside, the terrace stretches toward the sea, offering multiple lounging and dining areas designed for relaxation and entertaining.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
25 Mar. 2025
-
Add a pinch of salt for purification, rosemary for protection, rose petals for love and beauty, cinnamon for prosperity and lavender for relaxation and peace.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The search is officially underway for the actors who will make up the storied Ingalls family in the streamer’s reboot of the classic ’70s drama.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Khris Davis played Foreman in the Mandalay Pictures drama that focused on his improbable return to the ring in the 1980s and ’90s.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Other highlights include a leafy green courtyard and a ping pong and games room.—
Stephan Rabimov,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
-
And that message should come to him via the sport and its players union and also from fans, whose statement begins with low attendance but should also be heard loudly from fans at the games.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacramento Bee,
21 Mar. 2025
-
The scientists have so far successfully demonstrated use of the tech in mice.—
Alex Knapp,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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