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
At the same time, many of the local journalists who spoke with CNN used different words to describe the complex emotions at play.
—
Brian Stelter, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
With many variables at play, White Castle hasn't measured whether Flippy has improved employee retention, Richardson said.
—Queenie Wong Los Angeles Times (tns), arkansasonline.com, 4 Nov. 2024
The Washington Post owner said there was no quid pro quo at play, and neither of the candidates or their campaigns were consulted or informed about the decision beforehand.
—Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
There’s a certain rejection of ego at play with Hardy in these films.
—Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for at play 
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Brian Stelter, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
With many variables at play, White Castle hasn't measured whether Flippy has improved employee retention, Richardson said.
—Queenie Wong Los Angeles Times (tns), arkansasonline.com, 4 Nov. 2024
The Washington Post owner said there was no quid pro quo at play, and neither of the candidates or their campaigns were consulted or informed about the decision beforehand.
—Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
There’s a certain rejection of ego at play with Hardy in these films.
—Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Oct. 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 21 Nov. 2024.
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