1. play(n = noun.communication) drama, dramatic play - a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage; "he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway"
is a kind of dramatic composition, dramatic work
has parts: stage direction, act
has particulars: grand guignol, theater of the absurd, playlet, miracle play, morality play, mystery play, passion play, satyr play
Derived forms verb play14, verb play26, verb play4, verb play25, noun playlet1
2. play(n = noun.communication) - a theatrical performance of a drama; "the play lasted two hours"
is a kind of show
has particulars: musical, musical comedy, musical theater, curtain raiser
Derived forms verb play14, verb play26, verb play4, verb play25, noun playlet1
3. play(n = noun.act) - a preset plan of action in team sports; "the coach drew up the plays for her team"
is a kind of plan of action
has particulars: knock on, power play, football play, razmataz, razzle, razzle-dazzle, razzmatazz, basketball play
Derived forms verb play1, verb play33, verb play32
4. play(n = noun.act) maneuver, manoeuvre - a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill; "he made a great maneuver"; "the runner was out on a play by the shortstop"
is a kind of motion, move, movement
is a part of athletic game
has particulars: takeaway, figure, completion, pass completion, ball hawking, assist, icing, icing the puck, jugglery, obstruction, baseball play, footwork, shot, stroke, blitz, linebacker blitzing, safety blitz, mousetrap, trap play
Derived forms verb play31, verb play20
5. play(n = noun.state) - a state in which action is feasible; "the ball was still in play"; "insiders said the company's stock was in play"
is a kind of action, activeness, activity
Derived form verb play2
6. play(n = noun.act) - utilization or exercise; "the play of the imagination"
is a kind of employment, exercise, usage, use, utilisation, utilization
Derived form verb play2
7. play(n = noun.act) bid - an attempt to get something; "they made a futile play for power"; "he made a bid to gain attention"
is a kind of attempt, effort, endeavor, endeavour, try
8. play(n = noun.act) child's play - activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules; "Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child"
is a kind of diversion, recreation
has particulars: house, doctor, fireman
Derived form verb play5
9. play(n = noun.time) period of play, playing period - (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds; "rain stopped play in the 4th inning"
is a kind of amount, measure, quantity
is a part of athletic game
has parts: chukka, chukker, frame, inning, bout, round, turn, first period, second period, final period, half, period, quarter, over
has particulars: golf hole, hole, set
Derived forms verb play1, verb play34
10. play(n = noun.state) free rein - the removal of constraints; "he gave free rein to his impulses"; "they gave full play to the artist's talent"
is a kind of freedom
11. play(n = noun.event) shimmer - a weak and tremulous light; "the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers"; "the play of light on the water"
is a kind of alteration, change, modification
Derived form verb play9
12. play(n = noun.communication) fun, sport - verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously); "he became a figure of fun"; "he said it in sport"
is a kind of humor, humour, wit, witticism, wittiness
has particulars: jocosity, jocularity, waggery, waggishness, clowning, comedy, drollery, funniness, paronomasia, pun, punning, wordplay
13. play(n = noun.attribute) looseness - movement or space for movement; "there was too much play in the steering wheel"
is a kind of movability, movableness
has particulars: wiggliness, slack, slackness
Derived form verb play24
14. play(n = noun.act) caper, frolic, gambol, romp - gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement; "it was all done in play"; "their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly"
is a kind of diversion, recreation
has particulars: coquetry, dalliance, flirt, flirtation, flirting, toying, craziness, folly, foolery, indulgence, lunacy, tomfoolery, game, horseplay, teasing, word play
Derived forms verb play11, verb play5
15. play(n = noun.act) turn - (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession; "it is my turn"; "it is still my play"
is a kind of activity
has particulars: move, start, starting, innings, attack, down, at-bat, bat, lead, ruff, trumping, trick
16. play(n = noun.act) gambling, gaming - the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize); "his gambling cost him a fortune"; "there was heavy play at the blackjack table"
is a kind of diversion, recreation, vice
has particulars: sporting life, bet, wager, gambling game, game of chance, throw
Derived forms verb play10, verb play15, verb play30, verb play29
17. play(n = noun.act) swordplay - the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully;
is a kind of action
has particulars: fencing
1. play(v = verb.competition) - participate in games or sport; "We played hockey all afternoon"; "play cards"; "Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches"
is one way to compete, contend, vie
Derived forms noun play3, noun play9, noun player1, noun player5, noun playing2
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s; Somebody ----s something
2. play(v = verb.social) - act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome; "This factor played only a minor part in his decision"; "This development played into her hands"; "I played no role in your dismissal"
is one way to act, move
Derived forms noun play6, noun play5
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something; Something ----s something
3. play(v = verb.creation) - play on an instrument; "The band played all night long"
is one way to perform
Derived forms noun player2, noun playing1
Sample sentences:
Sam and Sue play
4. play(v = verb.creation) act, represent - play a role or part; "Gielgud played Hamlet"; "She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role"; "She played the servant to her husband's master"
is one way to re-create
Derived forms noun play1, noun play2, noun player3, noun playing3
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s; Somebody ----s something; Somebody ----s somebody
5. play(v = verb.social) - be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children; "The kids were playing outside all day"; "I used to play with trucks as a little girl"
is one way to act
Derived forms noun play8, noun play14, noun playing2
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s
6. play(v = verb.creation) spiel - replay (as a melody); "Play it again, Sam"; "She played the third movement very beautifully"
is one way to re-create
Derived form noun playing1
Sample sentences:
They will play the duet
7. play(v = verb.creation) - perform music on (a musical instrument); "He plays the flute"; "Can you play on this old recorder?"
is one way to sound
Derived form noun playing1
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something
8. play(v = verb.body) act, act as - pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind; "He acted the idiot"; "She plays deaf when the news are bad"
is one way to act, behave, do
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s somebody
9. play(v = verb.motion) - move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly; "The spotlights played on the politicians"
is one way to go, locomote, move, travel
Derived form noun play11
Sample sentences:
Something is ----ing PP
10. play(v = verb.competition) - bet or wager (money); "He played $20 on the new horse"; "She plays the races"
is one way to gamble
Derived form noun play16
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something
11. play(v = verb.social) recreate - engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion; "On weekends I play"; "The students all recreate alike"
Derived forms noun play14, noun playing2
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s
12. play(v = verb.creation) - pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity; "Let's play like I am mommy"; "Play cowboy and Indians"
is one way to assume, feign, sham, simulate
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something; Somebody ----s somebody; Somebody ----s that CLAUSE
13. play(v = verb.creation) - emit recorded sound; "The tape was playing for hours"; "the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered"
is one way to sound
Sample sentences:
Something ----s; Something ----s something
14. play(v = verb.creation) - perform on a certain location; "The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16"; "She has been playing on Broadway for years"
is one way to perform
Derived forms noun play1, noun play2
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something
15. play(v = verb.competition) - put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game; "He is playing his cards close to his chest"; "The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory"
is one way to deploy
Derived form noun play16
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something
16. play(v = verb.body) toy - engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously; "They played games on their opponents"; "play the stock market"; "play with her feelings"; "toy with an idea"
is one way to act, behave, do
Derived form noun playing2
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something
17. play(v = verb.social) - behave in a certain way; "play safe"; "play it safe"; "play fair"
is one way to act, move
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s; Something ----s something Adjective/Noun; Somebody ----s Adjective
18. play(v = verb.creation) run - cause to emit recorded audio or video; "They ran the tapes over and over again"; "I'll play you my favorite record"; "He never tires of playing that video"
Sample sentences:
Sam and Sue play the movie
19. play(v = verb.contact) diddle, fiddle, toy - manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination; "She played nervously with her wedding ring"; "Don't fiddle with the screws"; "He played with the idea of running for the Senate"
is one way to manipulate
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s PP
20. play(v = verb.consumption) - use to one's advantage; "She plays on her clients' emotions"
is one way to exploit, work
Derived form noun play4
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s PP
21. play(v = verb.cognition) dally, trifle - consider not very seriously; "He is trifling with her"; "She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania"
is one way to consider, deal, look at, take
Sample sentences:
Sam wants to play with Sue
22. play(v = verb.stative) - be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way; "This speech didn't play well with the American public"; "His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee"
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s
23. play(v = verb.social) dally, flirt, toy - behave carelessly or indifferently; "Play about with a young girl's affection"
is one way to act, move
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s; Somebody ----s PP
24. play(v = verb.motion) - cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space; "The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack"
is one way to displace, move
Derived form noun play13
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something; Something ----s something
25. play(v = verb.creation) act, playact, roleplay - perform on a stage or theater; "She acts in this play"; "He acted in `Julius Caesar'"; "I played in `A Christmas Carol'"
is one way to perform
Derived forms noun play1, noun play2, noun player3, noun playing3
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s
26. play(v = verb.creation) - be performed or presented for public viewing; "What's playing in the local movie theater?"; "`Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years"
Derived forms noun play1, noun play2
Sample sentences:
Something ----s; Something is ----ing PP
27. play(v = verb.creation) bring, make for, work, wreak - cause to happen or to occur as a consequence; "I cannot work a miracle"; "wreak havoc"; "bring comments"; "play a joke"; "The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area"
is one way to create, make
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something; Something ----s something
28. play(v = verb.contact) - discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream; "play water from a hose"; "The fountains played all day"
is one way to discharge
Sample sentences:
Something ----s; Somebody ----s something
29. play(v = verb.competition) - make bets; "Play the races"; "play the casinos in Trouville"
is one way to bet, play, wager
Derived form noun play16
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something
30. play(v = verb.competition) bet, wager - stake on the outcome of an issue; "I bet $100 on that new horse"; "She played all her money on the dark horse"
is one way to gamble
Derived form noun play16
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s; Somebody ----s something
31. play(v = verb.competition) - shoot or hit in a particular manner; "She played a good backhand last night"
is one way to hit
Derived form noun play4
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something
32. play(v = verb.competition) - use or move; "I had to play my queen"
is one way to apply, employ, use, utilise, utilize
Derived form noun play3
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something
33. play(v = verb.competition) - employ in a game or in a specific position; "They played him on first base"
is one way to apply, employ, use, utilise, utilize
Derived form noun play3
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s somebody
34. play(v = verb.competition) encounter, meet, take on - contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle; "Princeton plays Yale this weekend"; "Charlie likes to play Mary"
Derived forms noun play9, noun playing2
Sample sentences:
Sam and Sue play; Sam cannot play Sue
35. play(v = verb.body) - exhaust by allowing to pull on the line; "play a hooked fish"
is one way to beat, exhaust, tucker, tucker out, wash up
Sample sentences:
Somebody ----s something
1. To engage in sport or lively recreation; to exercise for the sake of amusement; to frolic; to spot. [1913 Webster]
"As Cannace was playing in her walk." [1913 Webster]
"The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to-day,
Had he thy reason, would he skip and play!" [1913 Webster]
"And some, the darlings of their Lord,
Play smiling with the flame and sword." [1913 Webster]
2. To act with levity or thoughtlessness; to trifle; to be careless. [1913 Webster]
"“Nay,” quod this monk, “I have no lust to pleye.”" [1913 Webster]
"Men are apt to play with their healths." [1913 Webster]
3. To contend, or take part, in a game; as, to play ball; hence, to gamble; as, he played for heavy stakes. [1913 Webster]
4. To perform on an instrument of music; as, to play on a flute. [1913 Webster]
"One that . . . can play well on an instrument." [1913 Webster]
"Play, my friend, and charm the charmer." [1913 Webster]
5. To act; to behave; to practice deception. [1913 Webster]
"His mother played false with a smith." [1913 Webster]
6. To move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate; to act; as, the fountain plays. [1913 Webster]
"The heart beats, the blood circulates, the lungs play." [1913 Webster]
7. To move gayly; to wanton; to disport. [1913 Webster]
"Even as the waving sedges play with wind." [1913 Webster]
"The setting sun
Plays on their shining arms and burnished helmets." [1913 Webster]
"All fame is foreign but of true desert,
Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart." [1913 Webster]
8. To act on the stage; to personate a character. [1913 Webster]
"A lord will hear your play to-night." [1913 Webster]
"Courts are theaters where some men play." [1913 Webster]
"Art thou alive?
Or is it fantasy that plays upon our eyesight." [1913 Webster]
1. To put in action or motion; as, to play cannon upon a fortification; to play a trump. [1913 Webster]
"First Peace and Silence all disputes control,
Then Order plays the soul." [1913 Webster]
2. To perform music upon; as, to play the flute or the organ. [1913 Webster]
3. To perform, as a piece of music, on an instrument; as, to play a waltz on the violin. [1913 Webster]
4. To bring into sportive or wanton action; to exhibit in action; to execute; as, to play tricks. [1913 Webster]
"Nature here
Wantoned as in her prime, and played at will
Her virgin fancies." [1913 Webster]
5. To act or perform (a play); to represent in music action; as, to play a comedy; also, to act in the character of; to represent by acting; to simulate; to behave like; as, to play King Lear; to play the woman. [1913 Webster]
"Thou canst play the rational if thou wilt." [1913 Webster]
6. To engage in, or go together with, as a contest for amusement or for a wager or prize; as, to play a game at baseball. [1913 Webster]
7. To keep in play, as a hooked fish, in order to land it. [1913 Webster]
1. Amusement; sport; frolic; gambols. [1913 Webster]
2. Any exercise, or series of actions, intended for amusement or diversion; a game. [1913 Webster]
"John naturally loved rough play." [1913 Webster]
3. The act or practice of contending for victory, amusement, or a prize, as at dice, cards, or billiards; gaming; as, to lose a fortune in play. [1913 Webster]
4. Action; use; employment; exercise; practice; as, fair play; sword play; a play of wit. Dryden. [1913 Webster]
5. A dramatic composition; a comedy or tragedy; a composition in which characters are represented by dialogue and action. [1913 Webster]
"A play ought to be a just image of human nature." [1913 Webster]
6. The representation or exhibition of a comedy or tragedy; as, he attends ever play. [1913 Webster]
7. Performance on an instrument of music. [1913 Webster]
8. Motion; movement, regular or irregular; as, the play of a wheel or piston; hence, also, room for motion; free and easy action. Milton. [1913 Webster]
"The joints are let exactly into one another, that they have no play between them." [1913 Webster]
9. Hence, liberty of acting; room for enlargement or display; scope; as, to give full play to mirth. [1913 Webster]
"I, with two more to help me,
Will hold the foe in play." [1913 Webster]
play, v. & n.
--v.
1 intr. (often foll. by with) occupy or amuse oneself pleasantly with some recreation, game, exercise, etc.
2 intr. (foll. by with) act light-heartedly or flippantly (with feelings etc.).
3 tr. a perform on or be able to perform on (a musical instrument). b perform (a piece of music etc.). c cause (a record, record-player, etc.) to produce sounds.
4 a intr. (foll. by in) perform a role in (a drama etc.). b tr. perform (a drama or role) on stage, or in a film or broadcast. c tr. give a dramatic performance at (a particular theatre or place).
5 tr. act in real life the part of (play truant; play the fool).
6 tr. (foll. by on) perform (a trick or joke etc.) on (a person).
7 tr. (foll. by for) regard (a person) as (something specified) (played me for a fool).
8 intr. colloq. participate, cooperate; do what is wanted (they won't play).
9 intr. gamble.
10 tr. gamble on.
11 tr. a take part in (a game or recreation). b compete with (another player or team) in a game. c occupy (a specified position) in a team for a game. d (foll. by in, on, at, etc.) assign (a player) to a position.
12 tr. move (a piece) or display (a playing-card) in one's turn in a game.
13 tr. (also absol.) strike (a ball etc.) or execute (a stroke) in a game.
14 intr. move about in a lively or unrestrained manner.
15 intr. (often foll. by on) a touch gently. b emit light, water, etc. (fountains gently playing).
16 tr. allow (a fish) to exhaust itself pulling against a line.
17 intr. (often foll. by at) a engage in a half-hearted way (in an activity). b pretend to be.
18 intr. (of a cricket ground etc.) be conducive to play as specified (the pitch is playing fast).
19 intr. colloq. act or behave (as specified) (play fair).
20 tr. (foll. by in, out, etc.) accompany (a person) with music (were played out with bagpipes).
--n.
1 recreation, amusement, esp. as the spontaneous activity of children and young animals.
2 a the playing of a game. b the action or manner of this. c the status of the ball etc. in a game as being available to be played according to the rules (in play; out of play).
3 a dramatic piece for the stage etc.
4 activity or operation (are in full play; brought into play).
5 a freedom of movement. b space or scope for this.
6 brisk, light, or fitful movement.
7 gambling.
8 an action or manoeuvre, esp. in or as in a game.
Idiom:
at play engaged in recreation. in play for amusement; not seriously. make play act effectively. make a play for colloq. make a conspicuous attempt to acquire. make play with use ostentatiously. play about (or around) behave irresponsibly. play along pretend to cooperate. play back play (sounds recently recorded), esp. to monitor recording quality etc. play-back n. a playing back of a sound or sounds. play ball see BALL(1). play by ear
1 perform (music) without the aid of a score.
2 (also play it by ear) proceed instinctively or step by step according to results and circumstances. play one's cards right (or well) make good use of opportunities; act shrewdly. play down minimize the importance of. play ducks and drakes with see DUCK(1). played out exhausted of energy or usefulness. play false act, or treat a (person), deceitfully or treacherously. play fast and loose act unreliably; ignore one's obligations. play the field see FIELD. play for time seek to gain time by delaying. play the game see GAME(1). play God see GOD. play havoc with see HAVOC. play hell with see HELL. play hookey see HOOKEY. play into a person's hands act so as unwittingly to give a person an advantage.
play it cool colloq.
1 affect indifference.
2 be relaxed or unemotional. play the man = be a man (see MAN). play the market speculate in stocks etc. play off (usu. foll.
by against)
1 oppose (one person against another), esp. for one's own advantage.
2 play an extra match to decide a draw or tie. play-off n. a match played to decide a draw or tie.
play on
1 continue to play.
2 take advantage of (a person's feelings etc.). play oneself in become accustomed to the prevailing conditions in a game etc. play on words a pun. play-pen a portable enclosure for young children to play in. play possum see POSSUM. play safe (or for safety) avoid risks. play-suit a garment for a young child. play to the gallery see GALLERY.
play up
1 behave mischievously.
2 cause trouble; be irritating (my rheumatism is playing up again).
3 obstruct or annoy in this way (played the teacher up).
4 put all one's energy into a game. play up to flatter, esp. to win favour. play with fire take foolish risks.
Derivative:
playable adj. playability n.
Etymology:
OE plega (n.), pleg(i)an (v.), orig. = (to) exercise
N the drama, the stage, the theater, the play, film the film, movies, motion pictures, cinema, cinematography, theatricals, dramaturgy, histrionic art, buskin, sock, cothurnus, Melpomene and Thalia, Thespis, play, drama, stage play, piece, five-act play, tragedy, comedy, opera, vaudeville, comedietta, lever de rideau, interlude, afterpiece, exode, farce, divertissement, extravaganza, burletta, harlequinade, pantomime, burlesque, opera bouffe, ballet, spectacle, masque, drame comedie drame, melodrama, melodrame, comidie larmoyante, sensation drama, tragicomedy, farcical-comedy, monodrame monologue, duologue trilogy, charade, proverbs, mystery, miracle play, musical, musical comedy, western, horse opera, flick, spy film, love story, adventure film, documentary, nature film, pornographic film, smoker, skin flick, X-rated film, act, scene, tableau, induction, introduction, prologue, epilogue, libretto, performance, representation, mise en scene, stagery, jeu de theatre, acting, gesture, impersonation, stage business, gag, buffoonery, light comedy, genteel comedy, low comedy, theater, playhouse, opera house, house, music hall, amphitheater, circus, hippodrome, theater in the round, puppet show, fantoccini, marionettes, Punch and Judy, auditory, auditorium, front of the house, stalls, boxes, pit, gallery, parquet, greenroom, coulisses, flat, drop, drop scene, wing, screen, side scene, transformation scene, curtain, act drop, proscenium, stage, scene, scenery, the boards, trap, mezzanine floor, flies, floats, footlights, offstage, orchestra, theatrical costume, theatrical properties, movie studio, back lot, on location, part, role, character, dramatis personae, repertoire, actor, thespian, player, method actor, stage player, strolling player, stager, performer, mime, mimer, artists, comedian, tragedian, tragedienne, Roscius, star, movie star, star of stage and screen, superstar, idol, sex symbol, supporting actor, supporting cast, ham, hamfatter, masker, pantomimist, clown harlequin, buffo, buffoon, farceur, grimacer, pantaloon, columbine, punchinello, pulcinello, pulcinella, extra, bit- player, walk-on role, cameo appearance, mute, figurante, general utility, super, supernumerary, company, first tragedian, prima donna, protagonist, jeune premier, debutant, debutante, light comedian, genteel comedian, low comedian, walking gentleman, amoroso, heavy father, ingenue, jeune veuve, mummer, guiser, guisard, gysart, masque, mountebank, Jack Pudding, tumbler, posture master, acrobat, contortionist, ballet dancer, ballet girl, chorus singer, coryphee danseuse, property man, costumier, machinist, prompter, call boy, manager, director, stage manager, acting manager, producer, entrepreneur, impresario, backer, investor, angel, dramatic author, dramatic writer, play writer, playwright, dramatist, mimographer, dramatic, theatric, theatrical, scenic, histrionic, comic, tragic, buskined, farcical, tragicomic, melodramatic, operatic, stagy, on the stage, on the boards, on film, before the floats, before an audience, behind the scenes, fere totus mundus exercet histrionem, suit the action to the word, the word to the action, the play's the thing, to wake the soul by tender strokes of art.
VB act, play, perform, put on the stage, personate, mimic, enact, play a part, act a part, go through a part, perform a part, rehearse, spout, gag, rant, strut and fret one's hour upon a stage, tread the boards, tread the stage, come out, star it.
VB use, make use of, employ, put to use, put in action, put in operation, put in practice, set in motion, set to work, ply, work, wield, handle, manipulate, play, play off, exert, exercise, practice, avail oneself of, profit by, resort to, have recourse to, recur to, take betake oneself to, take up with, take advantage of, lay one's hands on, try, render useful, mold, turn to account, turn to use, convert to use, utilize, work up, call into play, bring into play, put into requisition, call forth, draw forth, press into service, enlist into the service, bring to bear upon, devote, dedicate, consecrate, apply, adhibit, dispose of, make a handle of, make a cat's-paw of, fall back upon, make a shift with, make the most of, make the best of, use up, swallow up, consume, absorb, expend, tax, task, wear, put to task.
VB do, perform, execute, achieve, transact, enact, commit, perpetrate, inflict, exercise, prosecute, carry on, work, practice, play, employ oneself, ply one's task, officiate, have in hand, labor, be at work, pursue a course, shape one's course, act, operate, take action, take steps, strike a blow, lift a finger, stretch forth one's hand, take in hand, put oneself in motion, put in practice, carry into execution, act upon, be an actor, take a part in, act a part in, play a part in, perform a part in, participate in, have a hand in, have a finger in the pie, have to do with, be a party to, be a participator in, bear a hand, lend a hand, pull an oar, run in a race, mix oneself up with, be in action, come into operation.
N freedom, liberty, independence, license, facility, scope, range, latitude, play, free play, full play, free scope, full scope, free stage and no favor, swing, full swing, elbowroom, margin, rope, wide berth, Liberty Hall, franchise, denization, free man, freed man, livery man, denizen, autonomy, self-government, liberalism, free trade, noninterference, Monroe Doctrine, immunity, exemption, emancipation, enfranchisement, affranchisement, free land, freehold, allodium, frankalmoigne, mortmain, bushwhacker, freelance, free thinker, free trader, independent, free, free as air, out of harness, independent, at large, loose, scot-free, left alone, left to oneself, in full swing, uncaught, unconstrained, unbuttoned, unconfined, unrestrained, unchecked, unprevented, unhindered, unobstructed, unbound, uncontrolled, untrammeled, unsubject, ungoverned, unenslaved, unenthralled, unchained, unshackled, unfettered, unreined, unbridled, uncurbed, unmuzzled, unrestricted, unlimited, unmitigated, unconditional, absolute, discretionary, unassailed, unforced, uncompelled, unbiassed, spontaneous, free and easy, at ease, at one's ease, degage, quite at home, wanton, rampant, irrepressible, unvanquished, exempt, freed, freeborn, autonomous, freehold, allodial, gratis, eleutherian, unclaimed, going a begging, freely, ad libitum, ubi libertas ibi patria, free white and twenty-one.
N agency, operation, force, working, strain, function, office, maintenance, exercise, work, swing, play, interworking, interaction, procurement, causation, instrumentality, influence, action, modus operandi, quickening power, maintaining power, sustaining power, home stroke, operative, efficient, efficacious, practical, effectual, at work, on foot, acting, in operation, in force, in action, in play, in exercise, acted upon, wrought upon, by the agency of through, by means of, I myself must mix with action lest I wither by des.
VB be in action, operate, work, act, act upon, perform, play, support, sustain, strain, maintain, take effect, quicken, strike, come play, come bring into operation, have play, have free play, bring to bear upon.
N influence, importance, weight, pressure, preponderance, prevalence, sway, predominance, predominancy, ascendency, dominance, reign, control, domination, pull, authority, capability, effect, interest, synergy (cooperation), footing, purchase, play, leverage, vantage ground, tower of strength, host in himself, protection, patronage, auspices, influential, effective, important, weighty, prevailing, prevalent, rife, rampant, dominant, regnant, predominant, in the ascendant, hegemonical, with telling effect, tel maure tel valet.
N space, extension, extent, superficial extent, expanse, stretch, hyperspace, room, scope, range, field, way, expansion, compass, sweep, swing, spread, dimension, length, distance, size, volume, hypervolume, latitude, play, leeway, purchase, tolerance, room for maneuver, spare room, elbow room, house room, stowage, roomage, margin, opening, sphere, arena, open space, free space, void, waste, wildness, wilderness, moor, moorland, campagna, abyss, unlimited space, infinity, world, ubiquity, length and breadth of the land, proportions, acreage, acres, acres and perches, roods and perches, hectares, square miles, square inches, square yards, square centimeters, square meters, yards (clothing), ares, arpents, spacious, roomy, extensive, expansive, capacious, ample, widespread, vast, world-wide, uncircumscribed, boundless, shoreless, trackless, pathless, extended, extensively, wherever, everywhere, far and near, far and wide, right and left, all over, all the world over, throughout the world, throughout the length and breadth of the land, under the sun, in every quarter, in all quarters, in all lands, here there and everywhere, from pole to pole, from China to Peru, from Indus to the pole, from Dan to Beersheba, from end to end, on the face of the earth, in the wide world, from all points of the compass, to the four winds, to the uttermost parts of the earth.
N amusement, entertainment, recreation, fun, game, fun and games, diversion, divertissement, reaction, solace, pastime, passetemps, sport, labor of love, pleasure, relaxation, leisure, fun, frolic, merriment, jollity, joviality, jovialness, heyday, laughter, jocosity, jocoseness, drollery, buffoonery, tomfoolery, mummery, pleasantry, wit, quip, quirk, giggle, titter, snigger, snicker, crow, cheer, chuckle, shout, horse laugh, belly laugh, hearty laugh, guffaw, burst of laughter, fit of laughter, shout of laughter, roar of laughter, peal of laughter, cachinnation, Kentish fire, tiger, play, game, game at romps, gambol, romp, prank, antic, rig, lark, spree, skylarking, vagary, monkey trick, gambade, fredaine, escapade, echappee, bout, espieglerie, practical joke, dance, hop, reel, rigadoon, saraband, hornpipe, bolero, ballroom dance, minuet, waltz, polka, fox trot, tango, samba, rhumba, twist, stroll, hustle, cha-cha, fandango, cancan, bayadere, breakdown, cake-walk, cornwallis, break dancing, nautch-girl, shindig, skirtdance, stag dance, Virginia reel, square dance, galop, galopade, jig, Irish jig, fling, strathspey, allemande, gavot, gavotte, tarantella, mazurka, morisco, morris dance, quadrille, country dance, folk dance, cotillon, Sir Roger de Coverley, ballet, ball, bal, bal masque, bal costume, masquerade, Terpsichore, festivity, merrymaking, party, blowout, hullabaloo, hoedown, bat, bum, bust, clambake, donation party, fish fry, jamboree, kantikoy, nautch, randy, squantum, tear, Turnerfest, yule log, fete, festival, gala, ridotto, revels, revelry, reveling, carnival, brawl, saturnalia, high jinks, feast, banquet, regale, symposium, wassail, carouse, carousal, jollification, junket, wake, Irish wake, picnic, fete champetre, regatta, field day, treat, round of pleasures, dissipation, a short life and a merry one, racketing, holiday making, rejoicing, jubilee, bonfire, fireworks, feu-de-joie, firecracker, holiday, gala day, red letter day, play day, high days and holidays, high holiday, Bank holiday, May day, Derby day, Saint Monday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Bairam, wayz-goos, bean feast, Arbor Day, Declaration Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, Mardi gras, mi-careme, feria, fiesta, place of amusement, theater, hall, concert room, ballroom, assemblyroom, music hall, park, plaisance, national park, national forest, state park, county park, city park, vest-pocket park, public park (public), arbor, garden, pleasure ground, playground, cricketground, croquet ground, archery ground, hunting ground, tennis court, racket court, bowling alley, green alley, croquet lawn, rink, glaciarum, skating rink, roundabout, merry-go-round, swing, montagne Russe, game of chance, game of skill, athletic sports, gymnastics, archery, rifle shooting, tournament, pugilism, sports, horse racing, the turf, aquatics, skating, sliding, cricket, tennis, lawn tennis, hockey, football, baseball, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, rackets, fives, trap bat and ball, battledore and shuttlecock, la grace, pall- mall, tipcat, croquet, golf, curling, pallone, polo, water polo, tent pegging, tilting at the ring, quintain, greasy pole, quoits, horseshoes, discus, rounders, lacrosse, tobogganing, water polo, knurr and spell, leapfrog, hop skip and jump, mother may I, French and English, tug of war, blindman's bluff, hunt the slopper, hide and seek, kiss in the ring, snapdragon, cross questions and crooked answers, crisscross, hopscotch, jacks, jackstones, marbles, mumblety-peg, mumble-the-peg, pushball, shinney, shinny, tag, billiards, pool, pingpong, pyramids, bagatelle, bowls, skittles, ninepins, kain, American bowls, tenpins, tivoli, cards, card games, whist, rubber, round game, loo, cribbage, besique, euchre, drole, ecarte, picquet, allfours, quadrille, omber, reverse, Pope Joan, commit, boston, boaston, blackjack, twenty- one, vingtun, quinze, thirty-one, put, speculation, connections, brag, cassino, lottery, commerce, snip-snap-snoren, lift smoke, blind hookey, Polish bank, Earl of Coventry, Napoleon, patience, pairs, banker, blind poker, draw poker, straight poker, stud poker, bluff, bridge, bridge whist, lotto, monte, three-card monte, nap, penny-ante, poker, reversis, squeezers, old maid, fright, beggar-my- neighbor, baccarat, ace, king, queen, knave, jack, ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, trey, deuce, joker, trump, wild card, spades, hearts, clubs, diamonds, major suit, minor suit, bower, right bower, left bower, dummy, jackpot, deck, pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full-house, four of a kind, royal flush, misere chess, draughts, checkers, checquers, backgammon, dominos, merelles, nine men's morris, go bang, solitaire, game of fox and goose, monopoly, loto, scrabble, scribbage, boggle, crossword puzzle, hangman, morra, gambling, toy, plaything, bauble, doll, teetotum, knickknack, magic lantern, peep show, puppet show, raree show, gallanty show, toy shop, quips and cranks and wanton wiles, nods and becks and wreathed smiles, entertainer, showman, showgirl, dancer, tap dancer, song-and-dance man, vaudeville act, singer, musician, sportsman, gamester, reveler, master of ceremonies, master of revels, pompom girl, arbiter elegantiarum, arbiter bibendi, archer, fan, toxophilite, turfman, amusing, entertaining, diverting, recreational, recreative, lusory, pleasant, laughable, witty, fun, festive, festal, jovial, jolly, jocund, roguish, rompish, playful, playful as a kitten, sportive, ludibrious, funny, very funny, hilarious, uproarious, side-splitting, amused, pleased with a rattle, tickled with a straw, laughing, risible, ready to burst, ready to split, ready to die with laughter, convulsed with laughter, rolling in the aisles, on the light fantastic toe, at play, in sport, Int, vive la bagatelle!, vogue la galere!, deus nobis haec otia fecit, dum vivimus vivamus, dulce est desipere in loco, (every room) hath blazed with lights and brayed wi, misce stullitiam consiliis brevem.
VB oscillate, vibrate, librate, alternate, undulate, wave, rock, swing, pulsate, beat, wag, waggle, nod, bob, courtesy, curtsy, tick, play, wamble, wabble, dangle, swag, fluctuate, dance, curvet, reel, quake, quiver, quaver, shake, flicker, wriggle, roll, toss, pitch, flounder, stagger, totter, move up and down, bob up and down, pass and repass, ebb and flow, come and go, vacillate, teeter, brandish, shake, flourish.
VB play, pipe, strike up, sweep the chords, tweedle, fiddle, strike the lyre, beat the drum, blow the horn, sound the horn, wind the horn, doodle, grind the organ, touch the guitar, thrum, strum, beat time, execute, perform, accompany, sing a second, play a second, compose, set to music, arrange, sing, chaunt, chant, hum, warble, carol, chirp, chirrup, lilt, purl, quaver, trill, shake, twitter, whistle, sol-fa, intone, have an ear for music, have a musical ear, have a correct ear.
VB copy, drawing, sketch, drought, draft, plot, chart, figure, scheme, image, likeness, icon, portrait, striking likeness, speaking likeness, very image, effigy, facsimile, figure, figure head, puppet, doll, figurine, aglet, manikin, lay- figure, model, mammet, marionette, fantoccini, waxwork, bust, statue, statuette, ideograph, hieroglyphic, anaglyph, kanji, diagram, monogram, map, plan, chart, ground plan, projection, elevation (plan), ichnography, cartography, atlas, outline, scheme, view, radiograph, scotograph, sciagraph, spectrogram, heliogram, V, represent, delineate, depict, depicture, portray, take a likeness, catch a likeness, hit off, photograph, daguerreotype, snapshot, figure, shadow forth, shadow out, adumbrate, body forth, describe, trace, copy, mold, dress up, illustrate, symbolize, paint, carve, engrave, personate, personify, impersonate, assume a character, pose as, act, play, mimic, hold the mirror up to nature.
baseball play, basketball play, child's play, double play, dramatic play, draw play, football play, force play, foul play, in play, match play, medal play, miracle play, morality play, mystery play, out of play, passing play, passion play, period of play, play a joke on, play a trick on, play along, play around, play around with, play back, play ball, play by ear, play down, play dumb, play false, play group, play havoc with, play hooky, play it by ear, play list, play off, play on, play on words, play out, play possum, play reading, play safe, play the game, play the market, play therapy, play up, play up to, play with fire, power play, puppet play, running play, safety squeeze play, satyr play, shadow play, squeeze play, stroke play, suicide squeeze play, trap play, triple play, word play