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
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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
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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
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
as in to use
to take unfair advantage of
the candidate played on the voters' prejudices
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as in to exploit
to control or take advantage of by artful, unfair, or insidious means
played upon the customer's vanity to convince her to buy the expensive makeup kit
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as in to toy (with)
to handle thoughtlessly, ignorantly, or mischievously
please don't play with the telephone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of play
Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 27 Jan. 2025
And on Monday, Nov. 4 as the Chiefs played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Kansas City, Donna, as well as Taylor and Andrea were on their feet from the first seconds of the game, cheering as the Chiefs continued their domination.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Adam Grosbard, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2025
The Woman In Black, directed by James Watkins, based on Susan Hill’s hit play, was a success with Daniel Radcliffe playing the lead, yet that was in 2012.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for play 
Verb
Fox played against the New York Knicks on Saturday after being considered questionable due to a right thumb sprain.
—Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 27 Jan. 2025
And on Monday, Nov. 4 as the Chiefs played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Kansas City, Donna, as well as Taylor and Andrea were on their feet from the first seconds of the game, cheering as the Chiefs continued their domination.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
Alaric Jackson is likely to command a sizable offer on the open market, given his own play in 2024 and the number of premium free agent options at the position.
—Adam Grosbard, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2025
The Woman In Black, directed by James Watkins, based on Susan Hill’s hit play, was a success with Daniel Radcliffe playing the lead, yet that was in 2012.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Noun
-
Progressive muscle relaxation: A technique that involves consciously tensing and then relaxing muscle groups one by one.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
24 Jan. 2025
-
That, combined with increasingly rare moments of relaxation, keeps our bodies constantly overstimulated.—
Marie Bladt,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
With golf's biggest names battling on one of the sport's most breathtaking courses, the final round at Pebble Beach promises big drama, high stakes, and plenty of unforgettable moments.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
2 Feb. 2025
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The Emmy Award winner played Commissioner Frank Reagan in the crime drama for 14 seasons from 2010 to 2024.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The Sky were the worst 3-point shooting team in the league, taking 14.9 attempts behind the arc per game.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Feb. 2025
-
The Chiefs won the game, 32-29, and many fans expressed outrage over multiple calls that benefited Kansas City during the game.—
Jackson Thompson,
Fox News,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Mies’s uncharacteristic use of colored marble was meant to enliven the museum’s steel-and-glass interior.—
Richard Meyer,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2025
-
This appears to be its first use of a new policy to criminally investigate state and local officials who do not comply with Trump's directives.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
USA TODAY,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Just a few weeks ago former contestant Rhea Mathew returned to the stage under the ruse of helping celebrate the show's 50th anniversary, only to be surprised by her boyfriend with a proposal.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Litton, using the name Michael Sanders, had scheduled an appointment with Feather River Adventist School principal under the ruse of enrolling his nonexistent grandson.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacramento Bee,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Transforming your space can be just as fun as the party itself, especially when there are so many fun and quirky decorations available online.—
Nora Colomer,
Fox News,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Always celebrate their success to keep the game fun and exciting!—
Jonathan Granoff,
Newsweek,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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This year, the International frontrunner appears to be Emilia Pérez, a trans-empowerment musical that received 13 Oscar nominations.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
1 Feb. 2025
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Chance Theater presents Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical about a struggling young composer in New York City, circa 1990.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.—
Chantz Martin,
Fox News,
1 Feb. 2025
-
According to Andy Martino of cable television sports network SNY, the Mets have made an offer of three years and $70 million to Alonso, but with enough money deferred to bring the current payout to about $60 million, or $20 million per year on average.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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