plying

VERB

use, work at

Synonyms

STRONG

dispense employ exercise exert follow function handle maneuver manipulate practice pursue swing throw utilize wield

WEAK

carry on put out

Antonyms

STRONG

disregard ignore leave alone misuse neglect receive shun stop

WEAK

be lazy idle

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.

He’s a retired wrestler who comes back into her life after his other family kicks him to the curb, and reasons that they’re both entertainers plying their craft to make ends meet.

From Salon • May 4, 2026

Navy could escort ships through the strait, and he has ordered an arm of the federal government to offer insurance to shipping lines plying those waters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo once again topped the Forbes highest-paid footballers list for the 2025-26 season, as one of three members of the top 10 plying their trade in Saudi Arabia.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

One could argue that plying his trade regularly in the French top division has already seen him "break out", but he only highlighted that further with his near-faultless performances in Slovakia.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2025

Spoon Man traveled all over North Carolina, plying curios and cookware, tools and trinkets—and news.

From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper