at play
idiom
1
: in the act of playing
the sounds of children at play
2
: being something that helps produce or influence a result
Several issues are at play in determining the price of gasoline.
Examples of at play in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But there are bigger—far bigger—factors at play in the disaster, factors that have less to do with local politics and institutional preparedness and more to do with the existential matter of a planet grown sickly from climate change.
—
Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 10 Jan. 2025
There are two different things at play here, as well.
—Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Also at play are avocado oil and shea butter, two moisturizing powerhouses.
—Jamie Ballard, Allure, 10 Jan. 2025
By understanding the neurological forces at play—stress responses, trust chemistry, and cognitive capacity—leaders can create meetings where ideas flourish, teams engage fully, and performance thrives.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 10 Jan. 2025
There are two different things at play here, as well.
—Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Also at play are avocado oil and shea butter, two moisturizing powerhouses.
—Jamie Ballard, Allure, 10 Jan. 2025
By understanding the neurological forces at play—stress responses, trust chemistry, and cognitive capacity—leaders can create meetings where ideas flourish, teams engage fully, and performance thrives.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for at play
Dictionary Entries Near at play
Cite this Entry
“At play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20play. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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