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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of play
Alexander Tin, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2025
Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief credit analyst and small business expert, said Black History Month is a reminder of resilience, innovation and the vital role Black Americans play in the nation’s economy.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2025
Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025
Each year in May, this park and the surrounding theatre venues are incubators and platforms for emerging artists to debut plays, dances, and live performances at the Orlando Fringe Festival, the longest-running Fringe in the United States.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
Search on for 2-year-old Oregon boy who disappeared while playing in yard
In:
Measles
Alexander Tin
Alexander Tin is a digital reporter for CBS News based in the Washington, D.C. bureau.
—Alexander Tin, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2025
Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief credit analyst and small business expert, said Black History Month is a reminder of resilience, innovation and the vital role Black Americans play in the nation’s economy.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
And his play this season puts him in contention for a second All-NBA selection on a Knicks team fighting to make a deep postseason run after coming up short to the Pacers, 4-3, in the Eastern Conference Semifinals round in 2024.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025
Each year in May, this park and the surrounding theatre venues are incubators and platforms for emerging artists to debut plays, dances, and live performances at the Orlando Fringe Festival, the longest-running Fringe in the United States.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Verb
-
Other performances were more obviously cathartic, such as the aptly named ‘Emergency Concert’ performed by Treppenhaus Quartet from Germany.—
Anna Haines,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Elsewhere Thursday morning on Wall Street, KBW downgraded Goldman Sachs to market perform from outperform .—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
In the first clip, Fischer, 25, is lounging in the front seat of the car, watching Love is Blind without a care in the world.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
Newsweek,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Outside, hotel guests can lounge in two large outdoor pools or visit the a state-of-the-art fitness center with all latest and greatest equipment including Peloton bikes.—
Kate Donnelly,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
But they had been manipulated by homeowners and businesses, and used to block all kinds of new construction.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
The New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Editing concerns truly manipulating an image, making changes to particular areas, and adding content like text, shapes, or other images on top of the original.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The Emmy-winning show puts an unlikely mix of reality TV stars competing to solve a murder mystery game in exchange for $250,000.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
22 Feb. 2025
-
The shot by Eduard Löwen hit the post, then St. Louis put it in the back of the net on a rebound, but it was called offside.—
Braidon Nourse,
The Denver Post,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Taking a birthing class, aromatherapy and relaxation breathing have all been touted to help women prepare for birth, and evidence suggests that exercising during pregnancy can also make for an easier delivery.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
-
The Sonoran Epicurean Escape is a three-night getaway that blends serious relaxation with some seriously good food.—
Lanee Lee,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Fox has given an early, 22-episode Season 2 renewal to breakout freshman medical drama Doc, starring Molly Parker.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Padalecki starred alongside Ackles on the CW sci-fi drama for 15 seasons, from its debut on what was then the WB in 2005 through its series finale in 2020.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
If Leeds had lost both of these games, as looked distinctly possible, Sheffield United would now be league leaders on 73 points.—
Beren Cross,
The Athletic,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Content shoppers, kings of the game in today’s TV market are being rolled out the red carpet at this week’s fifth London TV Screenings and first MIP London, touted by organizers RX France as an add-on to the indie distributors’ curated viewing showcase in the U.K. capital.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
To get Taiwan’s reserve force to its necessary size and readiness, the Trump administration should press Taipei to require two full years of more intense instruction and limit the use of deferments.—
Jennifer Kavanagh,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Enclaves should be located conveniently throughout the office or near individual work spaces to allow for spontaneous use without requiring formal scheduling.—
Ryan Anderson,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to play
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share