Synonyms for

Playing

Verb / ˈpleɪɪŋ / Another word for playing — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the action of taking part in a game or sport

Synonyms & similar words

run bring dally fiddle meet playacting toy trifle encounter act bet performing wager wreak roleplay acting diddle work represent play recreate playact flirt spiel participating competing performing engaging practicing rehearsing acting pretending enjoying sporting gaming gambling betting wagering staking speculating

Synonyms by register

Formal

engaging participating acting

Informal

fooling around messing around having fun goofing off

Literary

frolicking disporting

Antonyms

working toiling laboring studying serious adult

Common collocations

  • playing a game
  • playing a role
  • playing music
  • playing sports
  • playing with fire
  • playing the stock market
  • playing cards
  • playing dead

Word family

noun play
verb play
adjective playful
adverb playfully

Usage note

The word 'playing' can refer to both recreational activities and the act of performing a role or function. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.

Compare "playing" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. I am playing with my new toy car.
  2. We are playing in the park.
  3. He likes playing video games.
  4. She is playing the piano beautifully.
  5. The children are playing a game of tag.

Quotes

  • Life is more fun if you play games.
  • You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.
  • We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.

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