play out

VERB

to bring to an end

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bring to a close bring to an end conclude end finish

VERB

to end up

Synonyms

STRONGEST

become come to be end up eventually be finish as turn out to be

STRONG

develop into evolve grow into

WEAK

wind up

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.

“That battle of information will play out almost in different realms.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

In most of these, we can see the mother-son dynamic, however frustrating or overbearing or dysfunctional, play out.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026

The issue is that the industry is still in the “early days” of seeing this trend play out, she noted.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

There is less certainty around summer rainfall totals, with forecasters disagreeing on how the season will play out.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

There’s a rumble in the pit of my belly, and I let the next scene play out in my head.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles