Synonyms for play

verb

• contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
• pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
• manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
• consider not very seriously
• cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
• replay (as a melody)
• perform on a stage or theater
• stake on the outcome of an issue
• engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
• cause to emit recorded audio or video
• behave carelessly or indifferently
• engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
• play a role or part
• act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
• be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
• behave in a certain way
• be performed or presented for public viewing
• bet or wager (money)
• cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
• discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
• emit recorded sound
• employ in a game or in a specific position
• exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
• make bets
• move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
• participate in games or sport
• perform music on (a musical instrument)
• perform on a certain location
• play on an instrument
• pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
• put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
• shoot or hit in a particular manner
• use or move
• use to one's advantage

noun

• a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
• the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
• a weak and tremulous light
• gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
• activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
• (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
• an attempt to get something
• a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
• movement or space for movement
• the removal of constraints
• the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
• verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
• (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
• a preset plan of action in team sports
• a state in which action is feasible
• a theatrical performance of a drama
• utilization or exercise