at play
idiom
1
: in the act of playing
the sounds of children at play
2
: being something that helps produce or influence a result
Several issues are at play in determining the price of gasoline.
Examples of at play in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Republicans can only afford to lose a small number of votes in the House, and given the numbers at play, Republicans from high-tax states such as New York and California have seized the opportunity.
—
Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 14 June 2025
But Trump in a June 12 Truth Social post wrote that quite the opposite is at play.
—Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 13 June 2025
Of course, the Bengals’ history in this department is at play — star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is in a contract extension standoff with the organization, while Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have resolved prior disputes.
—Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 13 June 2025
In neither relationship is there a sense of what affinities and differences are at play or why this matters, as Lucy tries to choose between the two men.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for at play
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Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 14 June 2025
But Trump in a June 12 Truth Social post wrote that quite the opposite is at play.
—Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 13 June 2025
Of course, the Bengals’ history in this department is at play — star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is in a contract extension standoff with the organization, while Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have resolved prior disputes.
—Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 13 June 2025
In neither relationship is there a sense of what affinities and differences are at play or why this matters, as Lucy tries to choose between the two men.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for at play
Cite this Entry
“At play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20play. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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