as in to use
to take unfair advantage of
the candidate played on the voters' prejudices
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play (on or upon)
Verb
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Several exclusive, bespoke massage treatments feature a handmade oil blend native to Kyoto, and facials use Japanese prestige skincare brand The Ginza.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026 -
Delta Connection will operate both of the new routes using Embraer 175 regional jets with up to 76 seats, Wi-Fi and in-seat power outlets.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Players have to create teams that exploit a boss’ weakness in order to defeat them, and that means building up characters that have the right elemental affinities.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
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This is certain to be an area TCU will try to exploit.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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During the tantrum, the child verbally abuses the parent and also destroys property within the home.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
15 Mar. 2026
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Although this may change, as people who have acquired Irish citizenship but aren't Irish-born are abusing it, adding to the immigration woes in Britain.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The new partnership aims to address this challenge by leveraging H2Pro’s Decoupled Water Electrolysis (DWE) technology.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
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Musiel recently launched a new construction company, leveraging his extensive appraisal expertise to build spec homes across the Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin metro areas.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Research shows that abusers will threaten, harm or kill a beloved companion animal to manipulate and control the people who love them.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
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To avoid detection by streaming platforms, Smith spread his automated, manipulated streams across thousands of different songs, knowing that concentrating streams on a single track would be flagged, according to the federal prosecutor’s office.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Play (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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