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Showing results for in play. Search instead for unplay.
Definitions

in play

ADJECTIVE
active
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alive effective operating
STRONG
flowing functioning going mobile movable operative progressive pushing rapid rolling running rushing rustling shifting simmering speeding streaming traveling turning walking working
WEAK
astir at work bustling efficacious exertive hasty impelling in force in process moving restless speedy swarming
Antonyms
STRONG
fixed inoperative unmovable unworking
WEAK
abeyant disinterested dormant idle immobile inactive indifferent inert lazy quiescent quiet sluggish
ADJECTIVE
going
Synonyms
STRONG
bustling flowing functioning impelling mobile movable moving operating operative progressive pushing rapid rolling running rushing rust
WEAK
alive astir at work effective efficacious exertive hasty in force in process restless
Antonyms
STRONG
fixed immobile permanent stationary unmovable

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 traditional market economics were in play, patients would have immediately switched to the lower-priced alternatives, forcing AbbVie to lower Humira’s price or face losing its dominant market share in the U.S.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

A similar calculation is in play in Asia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Anyone who reads “Fairview” will understand the challenge of producing it, but I don’t think I fully appreciated how much stylistic nuance is in play.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

In a break in play around the half-hour mark, Mikey Moore, exciting, dangerous and 18 years old, juggled the ball around the halfway line.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

His claws, clattering across the linoleum, sounded like mah-jongg tiles in play.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.