1
as in recreated
to engage in activity for amusement
told her son that he needed some time to run and play in the yard after his hard work
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2
as in performed
to present a portrayal or performance of
played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic
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3
as in mocked
to pretend to be (what one is not) in appearance or behavior
stop playing the innocent, because I know that you were behind that prank
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4
as in lounged
to spend time in aimless activity
just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive
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5
as in handled
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
this is how we're going to play the situation
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6
as in put
to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event
figuring that she had little to lose, she played her last few bucks on the state lottery
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Cite this Entry
“Played.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.
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