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
But there was just something about playing the comedy of that scene, which is such a shocking moment. —EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025 That was nice to play and just to be in in touch with that. —Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
Perhaps the assumption is that two teams who are both as consistent as each other and opt to employ a high-octane style of play will cancel each other out. —Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 In was Paul Maurice who implemented a defense-first, forecheck-heavy, grind-it-out style of play that was almost the antithesis of their free-flowing, high-flying, offensive system that was wildly successful in the regular season but didn’t hold up in the playoffs. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 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
  • But while most saw the moment as a liberating one for women, Horsell saw it as another instance of a female playing top-level sport without the necessary support to perform at her best.
    — Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • To perform a squat pulse, start with your feet hip-width apart.
    — Jordan Smith, SELF, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of perform
Verb
  • The image shows the daddy-son duo lounging on the sofa with Jack’s legs draped over his famous Dad’s.
    — Clare Fisher, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Now the steps have planters with juniper bushes on top for aesthetics — and to keep fans from lounging there.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of lounge
Verb
  • It could be manipulated by the therapist or simply placed in the correct position by the individual.
    — Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
  • This is not a new accusation and in the past Fauci and the paper authors disagreed with the accusations that the paper was manipulated or had any specific goal.
    — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of manipulate
Verb
  • Quality control is highly inconsistent, and customer service can be…frustrating, to put it nicely.
    — Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, the act of putting a mask on in and of itself feels like peak self-care.
    — Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of put
Noun
  • There's a mix of on-the-beach relaxation (pet-friendly!) and off-the-beach amusements, such as go-kart tracks, a handful of mini-golf courses, a number of ice cream shops, and good restaurants.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Each packet of Off Duty contains a gentle dose (5mg THC + 5mg CBD), ensuring a soothing state of calm and relaxation.
    — Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of relaxation
Noun
  • Marsh was appointed Office of the Order of the British Empire in 2012 for her services to drama.
    — Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The series, which ran for five seasons through 1975, won two BAFTA awards, seven Primetime Emmys (including a best drama actress win for Marsh) and a Golden Globe for best drama series.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of drama
Noun
  • Power and pump up your tech game with today's Amazon tech deals!
    — Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Profar joins a long list of big leaguers who have tested positive for PEDs and will eventually return to the game as if nothing happened.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of game
Noun
  • Included in the resort fee are use of beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, bicycles, and fishing equipment (including bait).
    — Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Versatility Car seat toys that get the most use are ones children can use in multiple ways and for a long time.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of use

Phrases Containing play

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plausibly
play
playact
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Cite this Entry

“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play. Accessed 25 Apr. 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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