play 1 of 2

verb

Definition of playnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to perform
to present a portrayal or performance of played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic

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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

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4
as in to lounge
to spend time in aimless activity just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to put
to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event figuring that she had little to lose, she played her last few bucks on the state lottery

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play

2 of 2

noun

ˈplā How to pronounce play (audio)
1
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself it's such a delight to watch the children in their play

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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

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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

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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

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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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun play differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of play are fun, game, jest, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.

pretended to strangle his brother in play

In what contexts can fun take the place of play?

While the synonyms fun and play are close in meaning, fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How do game and sport relate to one another, in the sense of play?

Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.

made game of their poor relations

When can jest be used instead of play?

While in some cases nearly identical to play, jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

When would sport be a good substitute for play?

Although the words sport and play have much in common, sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

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
Verb
Kwok plays a desperate man who is trying to repay his debts by any means necessary. —Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025 Also, Foley dealt with concussion symptoms and never played in the NHL. —Jeremy Rutherford, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
Softball has a bigger ball and underhand pitching, as well as a smaller diamond, a closer fence, and a different style of play that is both faster and simpler. —Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 17 Mar. 2025 On the winning play, Viscione carried the puck down left wing. —Jason Cooke, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
  1. perform
  2. lounge
  3. manipulate
  4. put
  5. relaxation
  6. drama
  7. game
  8. use
Verb
  • Mexican musician Natanael Cano, who has yet to perform in the United States, has been tapped as the Sunday Special Performer.
    — Thania Garcia, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Wheesung was due to perform at a joint concert with fellow South Korean singer KCM on Saturday; the event has now been canceled.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of perform
Verb
  • In a photo shared on Instagram, the duo is seen smiling into the camera while lounging backstage.
    — Shania Russell, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to the on-site restaurant, Shirley’s, the hotel also has a seasonal rooftop lounge with views of Old Petersburg.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of lounge
Verb
  • Mid-20th century, metafiction was all about producing a sort of free zone of uncertainty in the reader about whether they themselves might be caught within a story or the product of some author, or being manipulated by some storyteller at a higher ontological plane, a different plane of being.
    — Emma Alpern, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
  • In Lynch’s festering neo-noir mystery from 1987, Hopper plays a chronic villain perpetually sipping from a tank of amyl nitrate and handing out hits as a way to manipulate his henchmen.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of manipulate
Verb
  • Yemeni coffeehouses put an emphasis on the aesthetics of the space.
    — Hira Qureshi, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2025
  • This time, Lowe was in his front yard, putting his kids in the car with his parents.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of put
Noun
  • This particular form of magnesium has calming effects on the nervous system, promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety and stress, enhancing sleep quality, and more.
    — Health Editorial Team, Health, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Engaging in calming activities, such as reading a book or listening to soft music before bed, can help children transition from the busyness of the day to a state of relaxation, optimizing the brain’s nightly cleanup work.
    — Lia Miller, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of relaxation
Noun
  • The film leans heavy into the drama and forces the audience to suspend belief in the thrilling third act, but the beautiful filming style and twisty mystery makes that all the more possible.
    — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
  • That opportunity has since turned into many more crime dramas.
    — Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of drama
Noun
  • The reality is the NBA has observers at games and sanctions officials when necessary (although not publicly).
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The Yankees won the World Series in six games, the last of their five consecutive World Series victories.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of game
Noun
  • Build a wall; the NASA Rover Perseverance (a program, by the way, that is way overstaffed) has shown us that there are plenty of rocks out there, just waiting to be put to use.
    — Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In a statement first published by TMZ on Feb. 23, a member of the couple’s team later quashed the rumors, stating that the narrative about Justin’s health and drug use are false.
    — Bailey Richards, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of use

Phrases Containing play

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Cite this Entry

“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on play

Nglish: Translation of play for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about play

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