interplay

noun

in·​ter·​play ˈin-tər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: interaction
the interplay of opposing forces
interplay intransitive verb

Examples of interplay in a Sentence

the interplay between the old and the new enjoys the interplay of three very different flavors
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Perfidia and Lockjaw’s masochistic power interplay early on, however, unspools less successfully. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025 This interplay between domestic and foreign capital is creating a virtuous cycle. Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025 There’s also potential interplay with federal employment law for athletes at private universities. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Recognizing this, medicine and public health are now developing new approaches informed by the interplay between inflammation and aging. William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for interplay

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interplay was in 1862

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Cite this Entry

“Interplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interplay. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

interplay

noun
in·​ter·​play ˈint-ər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: mutual action or influence : interaction
interplay
ˌint-ər-ˈplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
ˈint-ər-ˌplā
verb

More from Merriam-Webster on interplay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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