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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
In each, though, Withers played a riff on masculinity, and while the films took different approaches to the subject, both cast him as a football star with a complicated relationship to the sport. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026 Could the film have fared any better if Ashton Kutcher played the Bloom role? — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
The multi-dimensional California musician’s best trick is blurring the line between play and professionalism, rawness and rigor. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026 Now Green must hold onto his job against veteran Jack Jones in a race to see who makes the most plays. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play
  1. entertain
  2. perform
  3. mock
  4. lounge
  5. manipulate
  6. put
  7. relaxation
  8. drama
Verb
  • In between those performances, Japanese folk dancers, a local DJ and rappers, and a 10-piece band will entertain attendees in the afternoon and evening.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The capital of Nova Scotia boasts things like hands-on learning, outdoor adventure, and unique experiences that will keep the whole family entertained.
    — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of entertain
Verb
  • For many participants, Saturday marks their first opportunity to perform in front of a large audience alongside nationally touring artists.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • Data from the Learning Policy Institute shows students who perform poorly in math in middle school rarely suddenly improve in high school, since foundational understanding of mathematics is built in lower level middle school courses.
    — Samuel O’Neal July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Definition of perform
Verb
  • Since the education minister's resignation, Modi has also spoken of forgiving those who had mocked the prime minister, an apparent effort to reconnect with younger audiences.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Trump routinely mocks Newsom and refers to the governor using a derogatory nickname, while Newsom taunts the president with frequent social media posts.
    — Darlene Superville, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of mock
Verb
  • While lounging poolside, the British model and niece of Princess Diana brought the heat in a red-hot triangle bikini held together by a tiny gold ring.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 July 2026
  • Beachgoers hoping to lounge or swim can simply grab a spot on the sand and enjoy the view.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Definition of lounge
Verb
  • The lawsuit also alleges that Penske and Boehly manipulated and misused California’s nonprofit laws.
    — Andrew Dalton, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has reported that AI training data and inputs are being manipulated and warned that attackers could influence model behavior by corrupting the information AI systems rely upon.
    — Syed Ali, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of manipulate
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Roten and her husband are stretched thin, putting renovations of what was supposed to be a starter home on hold.
    — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Moon’s Shadow Returns Published on NASA’s YouTube channel on July 29, the short trailer puts the emotional impact of totality front and center.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of put
Noun
  • There’s a hot tub, a big backyard, a firepit, and a hammock for all methods of relaxation.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 July 2026
  • Jivapita Spa sits on the third floor with treatments drawing on Khmer traditions combined with contemporary therapies; facilities include a Himalayan salt room and relaxation lounge.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Definition of relaxation
Noun
  • As all of this finale drama is happening around him, Danny gets increasingly drunker, foreshadowing absolutely nothing good coming our way.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 30 July 2026
  • Blending coming-of-age drama with a dreamlike, science-fiction edge, the film filters Argentina’s economic instability and the pull of the digital world through the perspective of a child searching for an escape.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of drama

Phrases Containing play

Browse Nearby Words

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 5 Aug. 2026.

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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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