play with

VERB

finger

Synonyms

STRONG

feel fiddle grope handle manipulate palpate paw thumb

WEAK

toy with

Antonyms

STRONGEST

maul

WEAK

manhandle

VERB

tinker

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dabble mess

STRONG

doodle fix monkey niggle play puddle putter repair toy

WEAK

mess with muck about take apart trifle with

Antonyms

STRONG

break destroy work

WEAK

leave alone

VERB

trifle

Synonyms

STRONG

coquet dabble dally dawdle dilly-dally doodle fidget flirt fool fritter idle loiter lollygag lounge misuse monkey palter philander play potter putter squander toy twiddle wanton waste

WEAK

amuse oneself be insincere fool around fool with fribble futz around horse around indulge in lead on mess with monkey with play games with string along use up waste time wink at

Antonyms

STRONG

hasten hoard hurry push rush save work

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.

If the 1994 team was going to sell soccer to a wary public, it had to show it could play with the best.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

“I just want my son to feel like I did as a kid,” said Justin Nguyen, while watching his toddler, Jayden, play with bubbles.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

Liverpool need someone who commands their team to play with energy to bring the joy back to Anfield.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Understand: RCP 8.5 was created to give scientists a high-emissions path to play with.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

‘Can I go out to play with my friends now?’ he asked.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

play with

Example Sentences

Related Words