Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Play” — 17 Other Ways to Say It
To do something fun or entertaining, like a game or sport.
Meanings of Play — Pick the Sense You Need
Play has 5 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.
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Meaning #1
as a verb
To do something fun or entertaining, like a game or sport.
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Meaning #2
as a verb
To take part in a sport or game as a competitor.
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Meaning #3
as a noun
A story performed by actors on stage, with dialogue and action.
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Meaning #4
as a verb
To make music using an instrument or device.
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Meaning #5
as a verb
To act the role of a specific character in a play, film, or other performance.
How to Pronounce Play
IPA: /pleɪ/ Stress: O
Long vowel sound /eɪ/ as in 'day'. Stress the single syllable.
4 Synonyms for Play (Meaning #1 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use play as a verb. Meaning: To do something fun or entertaining, like a game or sport.
enjoy
/ɪnˈdʒɔɪ/To like and get pleasure from something you do or experience
Example: She enjoyed the concert very much last night.
engage
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/To make someone interested in something; to get someone's attention
Example: The teacher used videos to engage her students during the lesson.
perform
/pərˈfɔːrm/Do something; act in front of people.
Example: He performs magic tricks at parties.
4 Synonyms for Play (Meaning #2 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use play as a verb. Meaning: To take part in a sport or game as a competitor.
compete
/kəmˈpiːt/To try hard to win against other people or teams in a game, sport, or contest.
Example: She competed in the swimming race last weekend.
engage
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/To make someone interested in something; to get someone's attention
Example: The teacher used videos to engage her students during the lesson.
4 Synonyms for Play (Meaning #3 — as a noun)
These synonyms work when you use play as a noun. Meaning: A story performed by actors on stage, with dialogue and action.
drama
/ˈdrɑːmə/A story written to be performed on stage by actors, usually dealing with serious emotions or conflicts.
Example: The school performed a classic drama for the end-of-year event.
production
/prəˈdʌkʃən/The act of making goods or the amount of goods made in a factory or farm.
Example: The production of steel has increased this year.
performance
/pərˈfɔːrməns/A show or play; the way someone does something.
Example: The concert performance was amazing.
show
/ʃoʊ/Entertainment or performance that people watch in person or on TV.
Example: We watched a concert show last night.
4 Synonyms for Play (Meaning #4 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use play as a verb. Meaning: To make music using an instrument or device.
perform
/pərˈfɔːrm/Do something; act in front of people.
Example: He performs magic tricks at parties.
operate
/ˈɑpəreɪt/To make something work or function; to use or run a machine or device.
Example: The new factory operates twenty-four hours a day.
produce
/prəˈdjuːs/To create or make something, especially in factories or farms.
Example: The factory produces cars every day.
5 Synonyms for Play (Meaning #5 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use play as a verb. Meaning: To act the role of a specific character in a play, film, or other performance.
perform
/pərˈfɔːrm/Do something; act in front of people.
Example: He performs magic tricks at parties.
depict
/dɪˈpɪkt/To show or portray something in a picture, painting, film, or written description.
Example: The artist depicted the landscape in oil paint.
represent
/ˌreprɪˈzent/To show what something is, or to act for someone else, or to be a symbol of something.
Example: The lawyer will represent you in court.
Smart Synonyms for Play — When to Use Each
enjoy
for doing something with pleasure
participate
for taking part in organized games or sports
engage
for involvement in recreational activity
Antonyms of Play — Opposite Words
How to Use Play and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- Children play in the park after school. A1
- We like to play football on weekends. A1
- She played with her dog in the garden. A2
- Our team plays basketball every Friday. A1
- He plays for the national football team. A2
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Play
What is another word for "play"?
Common synonyms for "play" include: enjoy, participate, engage, perform, compete.
What can I say instead of "play"?
Try one of these alternatives: enjoy, participate, engage, perform, compete. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "play" formal or informal?
"play" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "play" instead of "enjoy"?
Use "play" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "enjoy" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "play"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "play" include: work, rest, spectate, watch, stop.