1
as in recreating
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 performing
to present a portrayal or performance of
played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in mocking
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 lounging
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 managing
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
this is how we're going to play the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in putting
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of playing
Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.
—
Lauren Costantino
september 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
The Chiefs also were playing without rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals, who is recovering from an injury.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
The Queen’s Head Hotel where the club was re-named in 1879 after playing for a year as St Domingo’s FC.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Born in Los Angeles in 1947, Volman began playing music and performing at an early age.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
That leaves the Rangers playing late in the season with a host of young and untried players.
—Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2025
A lot of good artists were playing.
—Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
DeJean also details how its a blessing to have continuity in his second consecutive year playing under renowned defensive mind Vic Fangio.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Each got minor roles, with Turturro playing the uncredited Man at Webster Hall Table and Badalucco playing Soda Fountain Clerk.
—Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Lauren Costantino
september 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
The Chiefs also were playing without rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals, who is recovering from an injury.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
The Queen’s Head Hotel where the club was re-named in 1879 after playing for a year as St Domingo’s FC.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Born in Los Angeles in 1947, Volman began playing music and performing at an early age.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
That leaves the Rangers playing late in the season with a host of young and untried players.
—Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2025
A lot of good artists were playing.
—Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
DeJean also details how its a blessing to have continuity in his second consecutive year playing under renowned defensive mind Vic Fangio.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Each got minor roles, with Turturro playing the uncredited Man at Webster Hall Table and Badalucco playing Soda Fountain Clerk.
—Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing
Verb
-
For example, Milwaukee Revealed will include an exhibit recreating features of the Schlitz Palm Garden, a real beer hall that opened in 1896.—
Jim Higgins,
jsonline.com,
30 Aug. 2025
-
The chefs design menus that take their lead from the movies, maybe recreating a dish featured in the film or putting a spin on an entree or appetizer that lines up with a location or character.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
During the annual Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival, Shanghai is the first to set up a stage for performing bands.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Yungblud is performing at the 2025 MTV VMAs as part of a special tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who died at age 76 on July 22.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The key to his performance is empathy — Early resists mocking Maddie or her struggles at every turn.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
-
This is all on top of the late-night TV and social media posts mocking him, countless Democrats campaigning against him, and endless news and opinion articles calling him everything from a felon to a rapist to a threat to democracy to Hitler.—
Matt Fleming,
Oc Register,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Expect wide terraces for lounging, a summer kitchen for long dinners under the stars, a pool that sits just steps from the bay, and a private dock and boat lift.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Most are more interested in diving than lounging at five-star resorts.—
Joe Sills,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Despite daunting market conditions, America’s youngest generation of adults is managing to break into the housing market in growing numbers.—
Sara Chernikoff,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Fire containment Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
That hasn't stopped the administration from putting US tech through the wringer at home, though.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Above all, Durbin said nothing DHS or ICE is doing at the naval base can interfere with its mission which includes putting thousands of men and women through boot camp to become sailors.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In the film — her first since portraying opera diva Maria Callas in last year’s Maria — the Oscar winner, 50, stars as Maxine, an American film director hired to make a video for a Paris fashion event amid being diagnosed with breast cancer and navigating a divorce.—
Eric Andersson,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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The museum's mission is to tell America's story by portraying people who shaped its history and culture.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Painters and sculptors, most of them spend their careers imitating themselves, in a sense.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Paul fears art imitating life by also boiling down to breadline survival strategies.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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