play ball

phrase

Definition of play ballnext
as in cooperate
to participate or assist in a joint effort to accomplish an end She refused to play ball with the investigators.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of play ball Kerr threw 32 pitches, 23 for strikes, and got three groundball outs, a double-play ball, three flyball outs and a foul out. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 26 Sep. 2026 The Raiders figure to be conservative here, playing ball control game behind veteran QB Kirk Cousins with Fernando Mendoza waiting in the wings (for some reason). — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026 For instance, if Duren tried to do three years, $75 million with a player option after two seasons, would Detroit have any incentive to play ball on something like that? — John Hollinger, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Let’s play ball After the opening ceremonies, athleticism took center stage as the Los Angeles Queens and the New York Heights squared off. — Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for play ball

Browse Nearby Words

play (around)
play ball
playbill
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Play ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play%20ball. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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