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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of play
Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
There was a time when everyone at a crypto event saw themselves as an outsider, and the VC industry viewed crypto venture capitalists as a different breed playing a different game.
—Ani Freedman, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Angelique Jackson, Variety, 9 June 2025
The two left their partners only to break up after the play’s run—what’s known in the business as a showmance.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Verb
His input on the pitch isn’t only limited to the left wing, as, unlike Williams, Rashford can play all three positions across the front line while providing a good alternative to the aging Robert Lewandowski.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
There was a time when everyone at a crypto event saw themselves as an outsider, and the VC industry viewed crypto venture capitalists as a different breed playing a different game.
—Ani Freedman, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Noun
Related Stories Performances begin on Tuesday at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, with the play’s 11-week engagement officially opening on June 24.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 9 June 2025
The two left their partners only to break up after the play’s run—what’s known in the business as a showmance.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Verb
-
Modern executives must similarly create robust succession planning, knowledge transfer systems, and institutional memory, not just to perform well during their tenure, but to set up the next generation for success.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
Capaldi has been slowly testing the waters of a comeback, performing a run of warm-up shows in Scotland as a guest of Tom Walker’s charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).—
Brittany Spanos,
Rolling Stone,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
Patio mats can also make the pool more comfortable for lounging, and create a soft base for toddlers or small children to play on.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 June 2025
-
While the building is meant as a nod to the land’s agricultural roots, this one is for play rather than work: It’s set up for lounging and dining inside, with a wet bar for mixing up drinks and an outdoor fire pit perfect for making s’mores.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
24 June 2025
Verb
-
But the lesson of the ’74 Act is clear: Absent congressional will, lawmakers inevitably will find ways to manipulate their own rules to make deficits even worse.—
Howard Gleckman,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
-
Our Senate and representatives are all manipulating their own power rather than running the country.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
18 June 2025
Verb
-
Haliburton put no weight on the leg and had his face wrapped in towels as he was taken to the Pacers’ locker room for evaluation.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
23 June 2025
-
Immigration arrests in Los Angeles have been headline news and the subject of legal disputes for the past few weeks, but Angelenos watching the drama play out on television and in their communities may be confused about who exactly is putting people in handcuffs and hauling them off.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2025
Noun
-
Named one of 2025’s best places to retire, this is a destination that’s all about relaxation—lounging on the beach, golfing, taking a leisurely bike ride, or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Huntington Beach State Park, which sits directly to the north.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
29 June 2025
-
The lower level is designed for maximum fun: a bespoke (and soundproof!) theater room, fitness area, and flexible bonus space combine to offer a balance of relaxation and recreation.—
Miriam Schwartz,
Boston Herald,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
Meetings between these sides have seen plenty of drama in recent years.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
-
All of this drama is revisited the next day in the Werk Room, with Alyssa standing by her statement about Denali winning the lip sync.—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
The 6-foot-1 guard, who has a 6-6 wingspan, averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists during 36 games but saw his scoring jump to 16.1 points when he was inserted into the starting lineup for the last 15 contests to help Michigan State reach the Elite Eight.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 June 2025
-
With Chisholm out of the game, the Yankees shifted Oswald Peraza to third base, with DJ LeMahieu filling in at second.—
Johnny Flores Jr,
New York Times,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Jackson’s independence from her liberal colleagues was on display in April, when the majority ruled that a challenge to President Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to remove Venezuelan migrants to a Salvadoran prison had been brought in the wrong court.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
25 June 2025
-
The use of nuclear weapons by the U.K. as part of the mission would require the authorization of NATO’s nuclear planning group as well as the U.S. president and British prime minister.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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