at play
idiom
1
: in the act of playing
the sounds of children at play
2
: being something that helps produce or influence a result
Several issues are at play in determining the price of gasoline.
Examples of at play in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The lack of a consistent narrative flow was also partly due to the overabundance of various advantages and twists at play.
—
Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's director-general, acknowledged a malaria connection in most samples while noting the possibility of multiple illnesses at play.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
The three minerals at play in this US/China trade war have a wide range of applications, including for the military, batteries, and renewable energy.
—David Blackmon, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
On Friday, a judge in the case dismissed the more serious manslaughter charge after the jury was unable to come to a unanimous verdict – underscoring the divisive nature of the case and the controversial cultural topics at play.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
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Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's director-general, acknowledged a malaria connection in most samples while noting the possibility of multiple illnesses at play.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
The three minerals at play in this US/China trade war have a wide range of applications, including for the military, batteries, and renewable energy.
—David Blackmon, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
On Friday, a judge in the case dismissed the more serious manslaughter charge after the jury was unable to come to a unanimous verdict – underscoring the divisive nature of the case and the controversial cultural topics at play.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for at play
Dictionary Entries Near at play
Cite this Entry
“At play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20play. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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