Searching for synonyms for play? Here’s some similar words from our thesaurus you can use instead.

• “he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway“

Synonyms

• drama a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage; an episode that is turbulent or highly emotional ; the literary genre of works intended for the theater ; the quality of being arresting or highly emotional
• dramatic play a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

• “the play lasted two hours“

• “the coach drew up the plays for her team“

• “he made a great maneuver“
• “the runner was out on a play by the shortstop“

Synonyms

• maneuver direct the course; act in order to achieve a certain goal; perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense ; a military training exercise ; a plan for attaining a particular goal ; a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill; a move made to gain a tactical end ; an action aimed at evading an opponent
• manoeuvre act in order to achieve a certain goal; direct the course; perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense ; a plan for attaining a particular goal ; a military training exercise ; a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill; a move made to gain a tactical end ; an action aimed at evading an opponent

• “the ball was still in play“
• “insiders said the company’s stock was in play“

• “the play of the imagination“

• “they made a futile play for power“
• “he made a bid to gain attention“

Synonyms

• bid an authoritative direction or instruction to do something ; an attempt to get something; a formal proposal to buy at a specified price ; (bridge) the number of tricks a bridge player is willing to contract to make ; propose a payment; invoke upon; ask for or request earnestly; make a demand, as for a card or a suit or a show of hands; make a serious effort to attain something; ask someone in a friendly way to do something

• “Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child“

Synonyms

• child’s play any undertaking that is easy to do; activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules

• “rain stopped play in the 4th inning“

Synonyms

• playing period (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
• period of play (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds

• “he gave free rein to his impulses“
• “they gave full play to the artist’s talent“

Synonyms

• free rein the removal of constraints

• “the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers“
• “the play of light on the water“

Synonyms

• shimmer a weak and tremulous light; shine with a weak or fitful light; give off a shimmering reflection, as of silk

• “he became a figure of fun“
• “he said it in sport“

Synonyms

• fun activities that are enjoyable or amusing; verbal wit or mockery (often at another’s expense but not to be taken seriously); violent and excited activity; a disposition to find (or make) causes for amusement
• sport wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner; play boisterously; an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition ; the occupation of athletes who compete for pay ; (Maine colloquial) a temporary summer resident of Maine ; a person known for the way she (or he) behaves when teased or defeated or subjected to trying circumstances; someone who engages in sports ; (biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration ; verbal wit or mockery (often at another’s expense but not to be taken seriously)

• “there was too much play in the steering wheel“

Synonyms

• looseness frequent and watery bowel movements; freedom from restraint; a lack of strict accuracy; the quality of movability by virtue of being free from attachment or other restraints ; movement or space for movement; dissolute indulgence in sensual pleasure

• “it was all done in play“
• “their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly“

Synonyms

• frolic play boisterously; gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
• romp play boisterously; run easily and fairly fast ; win easily; an easy victory ; a girl who behaves in a boyish manner ; gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
• gambol play boisterously; gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
• caper jump about playfully ; any of numerous plants of the genus Capparis ; pickled flower buds used as a pungent relish in various dishes and sauces ; a crime (especially a robbery); a playful leap or hop ; gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement; a ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement

• “it is my turn“
• “it is still my play“

Synonyms

• turn a circular segment of a curve; the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course; (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession; an unforeseen development; a movement in a new direction; the act of turning away or in the opposite direction; turning or twisting around (in place); a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else); (sports) a division during which one team is on the offensive ; a short performance that is part of a longer program; a favor for someone; taking a short walk out and back; change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense; undergo a transformation or a change of position or action; undergo a change or development; cause to move around or rotate; change to the contrary; pass to the other side of; pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; let (something) fall or spill from a container; move around an axis or a center; cause to move around a center so as to show another side of; to send or let go; to break and turn over earth especially with a plow; shape by rotating on a lathe or cutting device or a wheel; change color; twist suddenly so as to sprain; cause to change or turn into something different;assume new characteristics; accomplish by rotating; get by buying and selling; cause to move along an axis or into a new direction; channel one’s attention, interest, thought, or attention toward or away from something; cause (a plastic object) to assume a crooked or angular form; alter the functioning or setting of; direct at someone; have recourse to or make an appeal or request for help or information to; go sour or spoil; become officially one year older

• “his gambling cost him a fortune“
• “there was heavy play at the blackjack table“

Synonyms

• gambling the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
• gaming the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)

Synonyms

• swordplay the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully

• “We played hockey all afternoon“
• “play cards“
• “Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches“

• “This factor played only a minor part in his decision“
• “This development played into her hands“
• “I played no role in your dismissal“

• “The band played all night long“

• “Gielgud played Hamlet“
• “She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role“
• “She played the servant to her husband’s master“

Synonyms

• act a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body ; something that people do or cause to happen ; a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet ; a short performance that is part of a longer program; a manifestation of insincerity; perform an action, or work out or perform (an action); behave in a certain manner; play a role or part; discharge one’s duties; pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind; be suitable for theatrical performance; have an effect or outcome; be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure ; behave unnaturally or affectedly; perform on a stage or theater
• represent take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to; express indirectly by an image, form, or model; be representative or typical for; be a delegate or spokesperson for; serve as a means of expressing something; be characteristic of; form or compose; be the defense counsel for someone in a trial; create an image or likeness of; play a role or part; perform (a play), especially on a stage; describe or present, usually with respect to a particular quality; point out or draw attention to in protest or remonstrance; bring forward and present to the mind; to establish a mapping (of mathematical elements or sets)

• “be engaged in playful activity“
• “amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children“
• “The kids were playing outside all day“
• “I used to play with trucks as a little girl“

• “Play it again, Sam“
• “She played the third movement very beautifully“

Synonyms

• spiel plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson) ; replay (as a melody); speak at great length (about something)

• “He plays the flute“
• “Can you play on this old recorder?“

• “He acted the idiot“
• “She plays deaf when the news are bad“

Synonyms

• act a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body ; something that people do or cause to happen ; a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet ; a short performance that is part of a longer program; a manifestation of insincerity; perform an action, or work out or perform (an action); behave in a certain manner; play a role or part; discharge one’s duties; pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind; be suitable for theatrical performance; have an effect or outcome; be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure ; behave unnaturally or affectedly; perform on a stage or theater
• act as function as or act like; pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind

• “The spotlights played on the politicians“

• “He played $20 on the new horse“
• “She plays the races“

• “occupy oneself in a diversion“
• “On weekends I play“
• “The students all recreate alike“

Synonyms

• recreate give new life or energy to; engage in recreational activities rather than work; give encouragement to ; create anew

• “Let’s play like I am mommy“
• “Play cowboy and Indians“

• “The tape was playing for hours“
• “the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered“

• “The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16“
• “She has been playing on Broadway for years“

• “He is playing his cards close to his chest“
• “The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory“

• “They played games on their opponents“
• “play the stock market“
• “play with her feelings“
• “toy with an idea“

Synonyms

• toy behave carelessly or indifferently; manipulate manually or in one’s mind or imagination; engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously; an artifact designed to be played with ; a nonfunctional replica of something else (frequently used as a modifier); a device regarded as providing amusement; a copy that reproduces a person or thing in greatly reduced size ; any of several breeds of very small dogs kept purely as pets

• “play safe“
• “play it safe“
• “play fair“

• “They ran the tapes over and over again“
• “I’ll play you my favorite record“
• “He never tires of playing that video“

Synonyms

• run a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely; the act of testing something; a race run on foot; an unbroken series of events; (American football) a play in which a player attempts to carry the ball through or past the opposing team; a regular trip; the act of running; the continuous period of time during which something (a machine or a factory) operates or continues in operation; unrestricted freedom to use; the production achieved during a continuous period of operation (of a machine or factory etc.); a small stream ; a race between candidates for elective office; a row of unravelled stitches; the pouring forth of a fluid ; an unbroken chronological sequence; a short trip; move fast by using one’s feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time; flee; stretch out over a distance, space, time, or scope; direct or control; have a particular form; move along, of liquids; perform as expected when applied; change or be different within limits; run, stand, or compete for an office or a position; cause to emit recorded audio or video; move about freely and without restraint, or act as if running around in an uncontrolled way; have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be operating, running or functioning; change from one state to another; cause to perform; be affected by; continue to exist; occur persistently; carry out a process or program, as on a computer or a machine; include as the content; carry out; pass over, across, or through; cause something to pass or lead somewhere; make without a miss ; deal in illegally, such as arms or liquor ; cause an animal to move fast; be diffused; sail before the wind ; cover by running; extend or continue for a certain period of time; set animals loose to graze ; keep company; run with the ball; travel rapidly, by any (unspecified) means; travel a route regularly; pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals); compete in a race; progress by being changed; reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state, usually by heating; come unraveled or undone as if by snagging; become undone

• “She played nervously with her wedding ring“
• “Don’t fiddle with the screws“
• “He played with the idea of running for the Senate“

Synonyms

• toy behave carelessly or indifferently; manipulate manually or in one’s mind or imagination; engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously; an artifact designed to be played with ; a nonfunctional replica of something else (frequently used as a modifier); a device regarded as providing amusement; a copy that reproduces a person or thing in greatly reduced size ; any of several breeds of very small dogs kept purely as pets
• fiddle bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the violin family; avoid (one’s assigned duties); commit fraud and steal from one’s employer; play the violin or fiddle ; play on a violin; manipulate manually or in one’s mind or imagination; play around with or alter or falsify, usually secretively or dishonestly; try to fix or mend
• diddle deprive of by deceit; manipulate manually or in one’s mind or imagination

• “She plays on her clients’ emotions“

• “He is trifling with her“
• “She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania“

Synonyms

• dally behave carelessly or indifferently; waste time; talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions; consider not very seriously
• trifle waste time; act frivolously ; consider not very seriously; a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; a detail that is considered insignificant ; something of small importance

• “This speech didn’t play well with the American public“
• “His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee“

• “Play about with a young girl’s affection“

Synonyms

• dally behave carelessly or indifferently; waste time; talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions; consider not very seriously
• toy behave carelessly or indifferently; manipulate manually or in one’s mind or imagination; engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously; an artifact designed to be played with ; a nonfunctional replica of something else (frequently used as a modifier); a device regarded as providing amusement; a copy that reproduces a person or thing in greatly reduced size ; any of several breeds of very small dogs kept purely as pets
• flirt a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men ; playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest ; talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions; behave carelessly or indifferently

• “The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack“

• “She acts in this play“
• “He acted in `Julius Caesar’“
• “I played in `A Christmas Carol’“

Synonyms

• act a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body ; something that people do or cause to happen ; a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet ; a short performance that is part of a longer program; a manifestation of insincerity; perform an action, or work out or perform (an action); behave in a certain manner; play a role or part; discharge one’s duties; pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind; be suitable for theatrical performance; have an effect or outcome; be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure ; behave unnaturally or affectedly; perform on a stage or theater
• roleplay perform on a stage or theater
• playact perform on a stage or theater

• “What’s playing in the local movie theater?“
• “`Cats’ has been playing on Broadway for many years“

• “I cannot work a miracle“
• “wreak havoc“
• “bring comments“
• “play a joke“
• “The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area“

Synonyms

• bring take something or somebody with oneself somewhere; cause to come into a particular state or condition; cause to happen or to occur as a consequence; go or come after and bring or take back; bring into a different state; be accompanied by; advance or set forth in court; bestow a quality on; be sold for a certain price; attract the attention of; induce or persuade
• work activity directed toward making or doing something; a product produced or accomplished through the effort or activity or agency of a person or thing; the occupation for which you are paid; applying the mind to learning and understanding a subject (especially by reading); (physics) a manifestation of energy; a place where work is done; the total output of a writer or artist (or a substantial part of it); exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity; be employed; have an effect or outcome; perform as expected when applied; shape, form, or improve a material; give a workout to; proceed along a path; operate in a certain place, area, or specialty; proceed towards a goal or along a path or through an activity; move in an agitated manner; cause to happen or to occur as a consequence; cause to work; prepare for crops; behave in a certain way when handled; have and exert influence or effect; operate in or through; cause to operate or function; provoke or excite; gratify and charm, usually in order to influence; make something, usually for a specific function; move into or onto; make uniform; use or manipulate to one’s advantage; find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of; cause to undergo fermentation; go sour or spoil; arrive at a certain condition through repeated motion
• wreak cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
• make for cause to happen or to occur as a consequence

• “play water from a hose“
• “The fountains played all day“

• “Play the races“
• “play the casinos in Trouville“

• “I bet $100 on that new horse“
• “She played all her money on the dark horse“

Synonyms

• bet the money risked on a gamble ; the act of gambling; maintain with or as if with a bet; stake on the outcome of an issue; have faith or confidence in
• wager stake on the outcome of an issue; maintain with or as if with a bet; the act of gambling; the money risked on a gamble

• “She played a good backhand last night“

• “I had to play my queen“

• “They played him on first base“

• “Princeton plays Yale this weekend“
• “Charlie likes to play Mary“

Synonyms

• meet being precisely fitting and right; a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held ; come together; get together socially or for a specific purpose ; be adjacent or come together; fill, satisfy or meet a want or need or condtion ro restriction; collect in one place; get to know; meet by design; contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle; experience as a reaction; undergo or suffer; be in direct physical contact with
• encounter a minor short-term fight ; a casual or unexpected convergence; a casual meeting with a person or thing ; a hostile disagreement face-to-face ; come together; come upon, as if by accident; be beset by; experience as a reaction; contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
• take on take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect; take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities; accept as a challenge; admit into a group or community; contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle

• “play a hooked fish“