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play

Definition for play

noun as in theater piece

Strongest matches

comedy, drama, hit, musical, opera, performance, show

Strong matches

entertainment, farce, flop, mask, potboiler, smash, theatrical, tragedy, turkey

Weak matches

curtain-raiser, one-act, smash hit, stage show

noun as in amusement, entertainment

Strongest matches

game, match, sport

Strong matches

caper, dalliance, delight, disport, diversion, foolery, frisk, frolic, fun, gambol, gaming, happiness, humor, jest, joking, lark, pastime, pleasure, prank, recreation, relaxation, romp, sportiveness, teasing

noun as in latitude, range

Strongest match

Strong matches

activity, exercise, give, leeway, margin, motion, movement, operation, room, scope, space, sweep, swing

Weak match

verb as in have fun

Strongest match

Strong matches

caper, carouse, cavort, clown, dally, disport, divert, frisk, frolic, gambol, joke, jump, kibitz, recreate, rejoice, revel, romp, skip, sport, toy, trifle

Weak matches

amuse oneself, be life of party, carry on, cut capers, cut up, entertain oneself, fool around, go on a spree, horse around, idle away, kick up heels, let go, let loose, let one's hair down, make merry, mess around, show off

verb as in compete in sport

Strongest match

Strong matches

challenge, contend, contest, disport, rival, sport, vie

Weak matches

be on a team, engage in, take on, take part

verb as in act; take the part of

Strongest matches

do, perform, portray, present

Strong matches

discourse, enact, execute, ham, impersonate, personate, playact, represent

Weak matches

act the part of, ham it up, lay an egg, play a gig, read a part, take the role of, tread the boards

verb as in gamble, risk

Strongest matches

game, put, set, take

Strong matches

bet, chance, exploit, finesse, hazard, jockey, maneuver, manipulate, speculate, stake, wager

Weak match

verb as in produce music

Strongest matches

Strong matches

blow, bow, drum, execute, fiddle, fidget, finger, operate, pedal, render, tickle

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Example Sentences

Chromosomal instability plays a crucial role in the progression of cancer: it shapes the properties of tumor cells and drives the development of therapy resistance.

From Science Daily

Considered "keystone species" by many, crayfish play an outsized role as food sources for other animals and as ecosystem engineers, creating burrows that act as habitat for many species in semi-terrestrial environments.

From Science Daily

Research has long shown that dopamine and serotonin play crucial roles in learning and decision-making across species.

From Science Daily

Fifteen of Czaplicki’s 36 total punts have led to drives that lasted four plays or fewer.

From Los Angeles Times

He reportedly did some light throwing Monday and could play Sunday against the Bills.

From Los Angeles Times

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

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