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
Advertisement Beyond sheer hubris, Israeli domestic politics are also at play.
—
Monica Marks, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
But there is another factor at play that benefits the Panthers on that front, one that has been a point of contention across the league.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
There is also an element of endless distraction at play.
—Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Overall, there are a lot of power dynamics at play, Kaye said.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at play
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.
Monica Marks, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
But there is another factor at play that benefits the Panthers on that front, one that has been a point of contention across the league.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
There is also an element of endless distraction at play.
—Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Overall, there are a lot of power dynamics at play, Kaye said.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 18 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share