interplay

noun

in·​ter·​play ˈin-tər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: interaction
the interplay of opposing forces
interplay
ˌin-tər-ˈplā How to pronounce interplay (audio) ˈin-tər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
intransitive verb

Examples of interplay in a Sentence

the interplay between the old and the new enjoys the interplay of three very different flavors
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The interplay between the vocal harmonies phasing from side to side is clear, though the upper melody sounds subdued during the track's busier sections. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026 The whole piece is about the free and rigorous interplay of line. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026 That interplay between practical work and digital effects also shaped character animation. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 For more than 60 years, Jungwirth has refined this painterly interplay. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interplay

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interplay was in 1862

Rhymes for interplay

See All Rhymes for interplay

Browse Nearby Words

interplant
interplay
interplea
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interplay. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

interplay

noun
in·​ter·​play ˈint-ər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: mutual action or influence : interaction
interplay
ˌint-ər-ˈplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
ˈint-ər-ˌplā
verb
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