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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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
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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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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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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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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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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
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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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of play
Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024
Also known as thumb drives or memory sticks, flash drives provide storage to back up precious photos, play movies on the big screen, or copy files from one phone or laptop to another.
—Simon Hill, WIRED, 28 Dec. 2024
Melissa Santos, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024
The penalty set the Bears back to first-and-goal at the 6-yard line, and Swift gained 5 yards on the next play.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for play 
Verb
In the second photo, Paul plays outdoor field hockey with his brother, Jake Paul.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024
Also known as thumb drives or memory sticks, flash drives provide storage to back up precious photos, play movies on the big screen, or copy files from one phone or laptop to another.
—Simon Hill, WIRED, 28 Dec. 2024
Noun
State of play: About two months ago, the CARE teams shifted their approach.
—Melissa Santos, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024
The penalty set the Bears back to first-and-goal at the 6-yard line, and Swift gained 5 yards on the next play.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
Noun
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The alternating temperatures are said to reduce muscle soreness and increase relaxation—a thoughtful addition for those looking to fully recharge.Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 30 Dec. 2024
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Incorporate downtime into the itinerary for naps, relaxation by the pool, or even quiet reading time. 8.Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Nominated for 7 Golden Globes (Best Picture drama, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor).Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 Dec. 2024
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Bae was asked about the drama during a recent interview.Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The Ravens started the season losing two consecutive games, which put Baltimore behind in the race for the AFC North race.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
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Three have changed the outcome of a game, securing injury-time wins against Athletic Club and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as a draw against Real Madrid.Sam Leveridge, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Trump has signaled interest in the use of the military to carry out deportation operations within the country.Raphael Romero Ruiz, The Arizona Republic, 21 Dec. 2024
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This time coincided with the rise in use of smart phones, video schooling and when there was more use of social media.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
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They were given out-of-state weather reports to help play up the ruse in their small talk with customers.Joel Jacobs, ProPublica, 23 Dec. 2024
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But her alleged ruse failed, and the 29-year-old was arrested.Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The resort’s aquatic center features pools, water slides, and a lazy river for endless fun.Esther Carlstone, Parents, 18 Dec. 2024
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Expect live music and dance performances, Puerto Rican and Latin-American food, a kids' fun zone, cultural exhibits and more.Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Sometimes new musicals don’t deliver with the songs but with Jeff Richmond’s music and Nell Benjamin’s lyrics there are many memorable musical moments.Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
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Gypsy is often named the greatest American musical of all time.Dave Quinn, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Netflix’s pickup of the two Women’s World Cup tourneys for U.S. members is its latest push into live sports.Todd Spangler, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024
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Simon Johnson has spent the majority of his career as a sports reporter since 2000 covering Chelsea, firstly for Hayters and then the London Evening Standard.Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
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