1
as in recreating
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in performing
to present a portrayal or performance of
played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in mocking
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in lounging
to spend time in aimless activity
just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in managing
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 putting
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of playing
Still, investors now have to make the tricky balance between hedging against geopolitical risks and playing the AI theme.
—
Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
Throughout her life, her doting mom has snapped some adorable pictures of her hanging out with cousins, showing love to her siblings or playing dress up and looking just like a mini-me.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Bathrooms, water fountains and green grass perfect for picnics or playing sports — those are the exact features that are completely missing from some San Joaquin County parks.
—Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
Marner has had stints playing next to Jack Eichel and Hertl, and even Vegas’ third-line center, Brett Howden.
—Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
The Survivors actress, who’ll be playing Sophie in the next Bridgerton installment, pulled her black hair back into a sleek ballerina bun that put her multi-watt earrings front and center.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
Guys were playing hard, everybody on that drive was doing their job, and getting guys down on the ground.
—Mike Kaye
updated January 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Ware joked after practice about watching both of his schools playing in Friday night’s national semifinal college football game, with Indiana (the second of his schools) defeating Oregon (the first) for the right to face the University of Miami for the championship.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Carter’s breakthrough role was playing roller-skating chef Nauls in The Thing opposite Kurt Russell.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 10 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing
Verb
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Hailey Bieber broke the internet yesterday by recreating one of Gisele Bündchen's iconic Victoria's Secret photoshoots.—
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Some mills are recreating the natural fiber’s grain on denim fabrics to give the look of linen without the premium price.—
Verb
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At one end of the spectrum, Croatia, Greece, and Poland feature the most working hours in the European Union, and some of the bloc’s worst performing economies.—
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Despite being far from perfect, the company says that AI models performing at 60% or better can reshape the nature of work as professionals work in tandem with the technology.—
Verb
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During Glaser's interview with Stern, the shock jock praised her for mocking CBS News despite the Golden Globes airing on CBS.—
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Ricky Gervais has hosted the Golden Globes five times, making Hollywood sweat with his take-no-prisoners approach to jokes mocking showbiz.—
Verb
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The Levi’s Quilted Puffer Bomber Jacket is a reliable layer that carries you through winter and into early spring, while the Zella Live-in Performance Joggers offer a budget-friendly option for flights, lounging, or casual sightseeing days.—
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Wear them to pilates, a casual brunch, or while lounging at home.—
Verb
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Her mother accompanied her to appointments, managing logistics and providing emotional support.—
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Tina Olson, a managing attorney with the Juvenile Lifer Unit in the State Appellate Defender Office, says the decision doesn't minimize the crimes committed – or the victims impacted – but instead ensures defendants are given fair punishments.—
Verb
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Quick was hardly to blame for New York's eighth defeat in nine games, with mistakes by teammates in front of him putting the veteran goaltender in all sorts of difficult positions.—
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So, not surprisingly, Mars is putting even more shows on sale.—
Verb
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Newsom hedges his bets by portraying the budget as a placeholder that covers little more than spending increases driven by law, inflation and caseload until more revenue data are received.—
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Inside, you’ll be transported to the golden age of piracy and meet actors portraying famous pirates of the past, Wallsmith said.—
Verb
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Two hours later, the trainer — now in a foam Michelin-man neck-to-heel suit — crouches near the box, imitating a quiet intruder.—
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Users appeared to be imitating and showing off to one another.—
Cite this Entry
“Playing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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