play-act
Britishverb
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(intr) to pretend or make believe
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(intr) to behave in an overdramatic or affected manner
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to act in or as in (a play)
Other Word Forms
- play-acting noun
- play-actor noun
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But he doesn't have the guts to admit it, instead continuing to play-act like he's a great man, even though no one is buying the act.
From Salon • Dec. 26, 2023
Several times, the kids play-act the old cartoonish “Tom Sawyer” game—in which the rascal tricks his buddies into doing his fence-painting chore—and the reference is apt.
From The New Yorker • Dec. 17, 2018
After Paps leaves with no plans to return, the boys play-act as their parents, roleplaying their reunion over the phone.
From Slate • Aug. 15, 2018
This seems a natural fate for the Morries of this world, men who play-act the tough guy and get in over their heads.
From The Guardian • Jun. 14, 2018
You were takin’ her East to teach her to play-act for you.
From The Branding Iron by Burt, Katharine Newlin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
