View synonyms for play

play

[ pley ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a dramatic composition or piece; drama.
a dramatic performance, as on the stage.
Synonyms: show
exercise or activity for amusement or recreation.
Synonyms: pastime, diversion
Antonyms: work
fun or jest, as opposed to seriousness:
I said it merely in play.
a pun:
On this article about encroaching grizzlies, the headline “Bear with us” is a play on the word “bear.”
the playing, action, or conduct of a game:
The pitcher was replaced in the fourth inning of play.
the manner or style of playing or of doing something:
We admired his fine play throughout the game.
an act or instance of playing or of doing something:
a stupid play that cost us the match.
one's turn to play:
Whose play is it?
a playing for stakes; gambling.
an attempt to accomplish something, often in a manner showing craft or calculation; maneuver:
They tried to buy up the stock in a takeover play.
an enterprise or venture; deal:
an oil and drilling play.
action, conduct, or dealing of a specified kind:
fair play;
foul play.
action, activity, or operation:
the play of fancy.
brisk, light, or changing movement or action:
a fountain with a leaping play of water.
elusive change or movement, as of light or colors:
the play of a searchlight against the night sky.
a space in which something, as a part of a mechanism, can move.
freedom of movement within a space, as of a part of a mechanism.
Synonyms: freedom
freedom for action, or scope for activity:
full play of the mind.
Synonyms: freedom
attention in the press or other media; coverage; dissemination as news:
The birth of the panda got a big play in the papers.
an act or instance of being broadcast:
The governor's speech got two plays on our local station.

verb (used with object)

to act the part of (a person or character) in a dramatic performance; portray:
to play Lady Macbeth.
to perform (a drama, pantomime, etc.) on or as if on the stage.
Synonyms: enact
to act or sustain (a part) in a dramatic performance or in real life:
to play the role of benefactor.
to act the part or character of in real life:
to play the fool;
to play God.
Synonyms: impersonate, personate
to give performances in, as a theatrical company does:
to play the larger cities.
to engage in (a game, pastime, etc.).
to contend against in a game.
to function or perform as (a specified player) in a game or competition:
He usually plays left field.
to employ (a piece of equipment, a player, etc.) in a game:
I played my highest card.
Synonyms: use
to use as if in playing a game, as for one's own advantage:
He played his brothers against each other.
to stake or wager, as in a game.
Synonyms: bet
to lay a wager or wagers on (something).
Synonyms: back
to represent or imitate, as for recreation or in jest:
to play pirates.
to perform on (a musical instrument).
to perform (music) on an instrument.
to cause (a phonograph, radio, recording, etc.) to produce sound or pictures:
Do you mind if I play the radio?
Stop playing YouTube videos and get to work!
to do or perform:
You shouldn't play tricks.
Compromise plays an important part in marriage.
to carry or put into operation; act upon:
to play a hunch.
to cause to move or change lightly or quickly:
to play colored lights on a fountain.
to operate or cause to operate, especially continuously or with repeated action:
to play a hose on a fire.
to allow (a hooked fish) to exhaust itself by pulling on the line.
to display or feature (a news story, photograph, etc.), especially prominently:
Play the flood photos on page one.
to exploit or trade in (an investment, business opportunity, stock, etc.).

verb (used without object)

to exercise or employ oneself in diversion, amusement, or recreation.
Synonyms: revel, romp, frolic, sport
to do something in sport that is not to be taken seriously.
to amuse oneself; toy; trifle (often followed by with ).
Synonyms: dally
to take part or engage in a game.
to take part in a game for stakes; gamble.
to conduct oneself or act in a specified way:
to play fair.
to act on or as if on the stage; perform.
to perform on a musical instrument.
(of an instrument or music) to sound in performance:
The strings are playing well this evening.
(of a phonograph, radio, recording, etc.) to give forth sound:
The radio played all night.
to be performed or shown:
What's playing at the movie theater around the corner?
to be capable of or suitable for performance, as a television or dramatic script:
We hope this scene will play well.
Informal. to be accepted or effective; fare:
How will the senator's proposal play with the public?
to move freely within a space, as a part of a mechanism.
to move about lightly or quickly:
The water of the fountain played in the air.
to present the effect of such motion, as light or the changing colors of an iridescent substance:
The lights played strangely over the faces of the actors.
to operate continuously or with repeated action.
Informal. to comply or cooperate:
They wanted her to tell them what she knew about the plans, but she refused to play.

verb phrase

1. to cooperate or concur; go along.
2. to pretend to cooperate or concur.
1. to pretend interest in:
  It's obvious that you're just playing at fishing for my sake.
2. to do something without seriousness:
  He is merely playing at being a student.
1. Sports. to play an extra game or round in order to settle a tie.
2. Sports. to engage in an elimination game or games after the regular season is over in order to determine the champion.
3. to set (one person or thing) against another, usually for one's own gain or advantage:
  The children could usually get what they wanted by playing one parent off against the other.
Informal.
1. to behave in a playful or frivolous manner; fool around.
2. to be sexually promiscuous.
3. to be sexually unfaithful.
to exploit, as the feelings or weaknesses of another; take selfish advantage of:
She would never think of playing on the good nature of others.
1. to evolve or progress toward a conclusion; unfold; turn out:
  Right now it’s too early to tell how all this will play out.
2. to come or bring to an end; finish:
  The full consequences of the decision have yet to be played out.
3. to play to the end of (something):
  When the camera started rolling, I knew exactly how much time I had to play out the full scene.
4. to use up or be used up; exhaust or be exhausted:
  Mining towns quickly sprouted, and just as quickly disappeared once the coal supply played out.
  And when that groundwater supply is played out, then what?
5. to reel or pay out, as a rope, line, etc.:
  By the time he reached the bottom of the cavern, his friends on the surface had played out 150 feet of rope.
to treat as of little importance; minimize:
He has consistently played down his own part in the successful enterprise.
to emphasize the importance of; highlight or publicize:
The schools are playing up their science programs.
to play (a recording, especially one newly made):
Play it back and let's hear how I sound.

play

/ pleɪ /

verb

to occupy oneself in (a sport or diversion); amuse oneself in (a game)
tr to contend against (an opponent) in a sport or game
Ed played Tony at chess and lost
to fulfil or cause to fulfil (a particular role) in a team game
he plays in the defence
he plays defence
tr to address oneself to (a ball) in a game
play the ball not the man
intr; often foll by about or around to behave carelessly, esp in a way that is unconsciously cruel or hurtful; trifle or dally (with)
to play about with a young girl's affections
whenintr, often foll by at to perform or act the part (of) in or as in a dramatic production; assume or simulate the role (of)
to play the villain
just what are you playing at?
to act out or perform (a dramatic production)
to give a performance in (a place) or (of a performance) to be given in a place
intr to be received
How will these policies play in Middle England?
to have the ability to perform on (a musical instrument)
David plays the harp
to perform (on a musical instrument) as specified
he plays out of tune
tr
1. to reproduce (a tune, melody, piece of music, note, etc) on an instrument
2. to perform works by (a specific composer)
  to play Brahms
to discharge or cause to discharge
he played the water from the hose onto the garden
to operate, esp to cause (a record player, radio, etc) to emit sound or (of a record player, radio, etc) to emit (sound)
the radio was playing loudly
he played a record
to move or cause to move freely, quickly, or irregularly
lights played on the scenery
tr stock exchange to speculate or operate aggressively for gain in (a market)
tr angling to attempt to tire (a hooked fish) by alternately letting out and reeling in line and by using the rod's flexibility
to put (a card, counter, piece, etc) into play
to gamble (money) on a game
play ball informal.
to cooperate
play fair or play fair with someone
to prove oneself fair in one's dealings
play false or play fair with someone
to prove oneself unfair in one's dealings
play by ear
See ear 1
play for time
to delay the outcome of some activity so as to gain time to one's own advantage
play into the hands of
to act directly to the advantage of (an opponent)
play the fool
See fool 1
play the game
See game 1

noun

a dramatic composition written for performance by actors on a stage, on television, etc; drama
1. the performance of a dramatic composition
2. ( in combination )
  playreader
1. games, exercise, or other activity undertaken for pleasure, diversion, etc, esp by children
2. ( in combination )
  playroom
3. ( as modifier )
  play dough
manner of action, conduct, or playing
fair play
the playing or conduct of a game or the period during which a game is in progress
rain stopped play
a move or manoeuvre in a game
a brilliant play
the situation of a ball that is within the defined area and being played according to the rules (in the phrases in play, out of play )
a turn to play
it's my play
the act of playing for stakes; gambling
action, activity, or operation
the play of the imagination
freedom of or scope or space for movement
too much play in the rope
light, free, or rapidly shifting motion
the play of light on the water
fun, jest, or joking
I only did it in play
call into play
to bring into operation
make a play for informal.
1. to make an obvious attempt to gain
2. to attempt to attract or seduce

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Derived Forms

ˈplayable, adjective
ˌplayaˈbility, noun

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Other Words From

play·ing·ly adverb
play·less adjective
play·like adjective
coun·ter·play noun
non·play·ing adjective
self-play·ing adjective
un·played adjective
un·play·ing adjective
well-played adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of play¹

First recorded before 900; (noun) Middle English plei(e) “merriment, sport, pleasure,” Old English plega “quick movement, play” (as in swordplay); (verb) Middle English pleyen, Old English pleg(i)an (cognate with Middle Dutch pleien “to leap for joy, dance, rejoice, be glad”)

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Word History and Origins

Origin of play¹

Old English plega (n), plegan (vb); related to Middle Dutch pleyen

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Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

bring into play, to put into motion; cause to be introduced:
New evidence has been brought into play in this trial.
come to play, Informal. to be disposed to play or participate in a manner reflecting a determination to win or succeed:
We're a small new business, but we came to play.
in / out of play, in or not in the state of being played during a game:
The umpire says the ball was not in play.
make a play for, Informal.
1. to try to attract, especially sexually:
  He made a play for his friend's girlfriend.
2. to attempt to gain by impressing favorably:
  This ad will make a play for new consumer markets.
play both ends against the middle, to maneuver opposing groups in order to benefit oneself.
play by ear, to play (music or a musical instrument) without printed music, as by memory of what one has heard or by unschooled musical instinct.
play fast and loose, to act in an irresponsible or inconsiderate manner, especially to employ deception to gain one's ends:
to play fast and loose with someone's affections.
play for time, to prolong something in order to gain an advantage; forestall an event or decision:
Their maneuvering at the conference was obviously calculated to play for time.
play into someone's hands, to act in such a way as to give an advantage to (someone, especially an opponent): Also play into the hands of.
If you lose your temper when he insults you, you will be playing right into his hands.
play it by ear, to improvise, especially in a challenging situation when confronted by unknown factors:
If you can't come up with a plan, we'll just have to play it by ear.
play it safe, to act cautiously; avoid risk or danger: Also play safe.
She usually plays it safe on the red carpet, wearing simple, classic designs.
play up to, Informal. to attempt to impress in order to gain someone's favor:
Students who too obviously play up to their teachers are usually disliked by their classmates.
play with oneself, Informal. to masturbate.
played out,
1. exhausted; weary.
2. out of fashion; hackneyed:
  New styles in clothing are soon played out in New York.
3. used up; finished:
  The original tires were played out and had to be replaced.
play ball. ball ¹( def 26 ).
play hardball. hardball ( def 4 ).
play one's cards right. card ¹( def 22 ).
play politics. politics ( def 8 ).
play possum. possum ( def 3 ).
play second fiddle. second fiddle ( def 2 ).
play the field. field ( def 39 ).
play the game. game ¹( def 29 ).
play with a full deck. deck ( def 23 ).
play with fire. fire ( def 57 ).

More idioms and phrases containing play

all work and no play
child's play
devil's advocate, play
fair play
foul play
game that two can play
grandstand play
in play
make a play for
musical chairs, play
squeeze play
trump card, play one's

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Synonym Study

Play, game, sport refer to forms of diverting activity. Play is the general word for any such form of activity, often undirected, spontaneous, or random: Childhood should be a time for play. Game refers to a recreational contest, mental or physical, usually governed by set rules: a game of chess. Besides referring to an individual contest, game may refer to a pastime as a whole: Golf is a good game. If, however, the pastime is one (usually an outdoor one) depending chiefly on physical strength, though not necessarily a contest, the word sport is applied: Football is a vigorous sport.

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Example Sentences

The findings are also important because gene switches are thought to play a central role in evolution.

From Science Daily

The character White played from 1989 to 1998 on the wholesome hit sitcom “Family Matters” defined the Black nerd for TV watchers: saddle shoes, suspenders, thick glasses, high, nasal voice.

From Los Angeles Times

But, obviously, there are other intangible factors at play for a program to go from good to great.

From Los Angeles Times

You have this incredible rapport with the actress playing your daughter in it.

From Salon

Lawrence, with Sister Agnes playing His Girl Friday, obtains the smoking gun, gives the Vatican copy machine a workout and tosses the incendiary flyers to everybody at the lunch hall.

From Salon

Related Words

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More About Play

What is a basic definition of play?

A play is a performance that is done on a stage or in a theater. Play also means to engage in a fun activity or to emit sound or video from a media device. Play has many other senses as both a noun and a verb.

In theater, a play is a performance during which actors recite lines from a script and perform the actions of the characters. The written work that includes the dialogue and story is also called a play. A person who writes plays is known as a playwright.

Real-life examples: Famous plays include Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, and Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett.

Used in a sentence: My boyfriend and I are going to see a play tomorrow.

Play means to engage in something fun or enjoyable. A person who plays is called a player.

Real-life examples: Children play games during recess. Athletes play sports. Musicians play instruments. Gamblers play card games. Animal lovers play with their pets.

Used in a sentence: I like to play basketball with my friends after school.

Play also means to produce sound or images on a media device.

Real-life examples: A “play button” on a remote control or a YouTube video is what you press to tell a device, program, or app to begin producing sound and/or video. The play symbol usually resembles a triangle pointed to the right.

Used in a sentence: The DJ booth played great music while everybody danced.

Where does play come from?

The first records of the word play come from before 900. As a noun, it ultimately comes from the Old English plega. As a verb, it ultimately comes from the Old English plegian, which is related to the Middle Dutch pleien, meaning “to leap for joy” or “to rejoice.”

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to play?

playingly (adverb)
playless (adjective)
playlike (adjective)
counterplay (noun)
playability (noun)
playable (adjective)

What are some synonyms for play?

What are some words that share a root or word element with play?

What are some words that often get used in discussing play?

How is play used in real life?

Play is most often used to mean someone is having fun or is using a media device to entertain themselves.

I am 30 years old. I am graduating from grad school next month (knock on wood). I just had a stress dream where I ruined my high school play because I didn't know my lines.

— the third mel in the spice girls (@shorthoneybee) November 9, 2020

I am having a hard time studying for my economics final for many reasons but the biggest thing is every time I read about monopolies I just want to play monopoly

— Molly O'Regan (@MollyORegan23) November 19, 2020

Moms love playing videos on their phone at max volume

— maya (@mayajkn) November 24, 2020

Try using play!

Which of the following words is most closely related to play?

A. fun
B. boredom
C. work
D. stress

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Plautus playa

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