play the role
idiom
: to act the part of (a particular character) in a film, play, etc.
He often plays the role of the villain.
—often used figurativelyHe was playing the role of (the) gracious host.
Examples of play the role in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Each performance, the audience decides which actor will play the role of God.
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John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
Before the final agreement was clinched, Mr. Carter had to play the role of facilitator yet again, flying to both Cairo and Jerusalem for another push.
—Vivek Shankar, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Flapper fashion with fringe, feathers, fur, and tuxedos or three-piece suits are encouraged to play the role.
—Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Dec. 2024
She was chosen to play the role of a wide-eyed singer because her husband worked in the music industry.
—Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for play the role 
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John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
Before the final agreement was clinched, Mr. Carter had to play the role of facilitator yet again, flying to both Cairo and Jerusalem for another push.
—Vivek Shankar, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Flapper fashion with fringe, feathers, fur, and tuxedos or three-piece suits are encouraged to play the role.
—Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Dec. 2024
She was chosen to play the role of a wide-eyed singer because her husband worked in the music industry.
—Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for play the role
Dictionary Entries Near play the role
Cite this Entry
“Play the role.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20the%20role. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
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