played

past tense of play
1
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 played Tewes, who had played cruise director Julie McCoy, since the series debuted in 1977, returned for a handful of episodes in the dramedy's final two seasons in 1986 and 1987. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025 This came to a head for one of the show's stars, Lauren Tewes, who played cruise director Julie McCoy. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025 The longest game in World Series history took place in 2018, when the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox played 18 innings in Game 3 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium. Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025 All told, between 2022 and 2024, his Sanz en Vivo tour played 86 concerts throughout Europe, Mexico, South America and the United States, selling over 860,000 tickets and grossing $100 million, according to his management. Leila Cobo, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025 Originally, the third Tron was conceived as a sequel to Legacy, with Kosinski returning alongside the characters played by Olivia Wilde and Garrett Hedlund. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025 But encounters with the island’s residents, including with his gruff but warm-hearted landlady (played by German screen legend Hanna Schygulla), gradually alter his outlook. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025 Sawayama has previously spoken about the role that pop music played in connecting her with peers at school after her family immigrated to London from Japan. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025 In 2018, Martin played for the Raiders and had 723 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played
Verb
  • There, heaped into a sad pile of rubble, is a part of the world’s most recognizable structures, one that’s been etched into our minds via many film and TV series that recreated the homebase for fictional political dynasties and presidents.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The star recreated her iconic Madonna cone bra Halloween costume from the 1993 Disney classic.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • On August 30, 1972, John performed at the One to One benefit concert at Madison Square Garden — his only full-length show after leaving The Beatles.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
  • To help Bacon get these abilities back, Keyoumars Ashkan, professor of neurosurgery, performed DBS on her, implanting electrodes in Bacon's brain and tracking her body’s reaction in real time.
    Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Following the no-contest between Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, Jones mocked the injured champion with a silent but hilarious move on social media that quickly garnered attention.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Italy’s performance at World Cup 1978 and Euro 1980 on home soil was decent enough, but their sluggish form going into the tournament meant he was mercilessly mocked in the Italian press.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In that pic, Fletcher lounged on the end, giving a thumbs up.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 23 Oct. 2025
  • As the action took place, the fashionable crowd lounged on the beautifully landscaped outdoor dining area, grazing on the pies and taking pictures of the sea.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Hubbarth handled it pretty well, asking a couple of questions on the issues and producing a little news.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Caliendo handled the rest of the game, allowing no quarterback pressures on 32 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • China has been building the world’s largest navy, launching high-tech warships at a frenetic pace under the leadership of Xi Jinping, putting pressure on the United States and its Pacific allies to keep pace.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to Hermitage Farm, Laura Lee Brown and Wilson, who also founded the 21c Museum Hotel chain, have put more than 2,400 acres of land in agriculture conservation easements in Oldham County.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans have refused to entertained negotiations on health care policy, arguing the health care subsidies should be debated by Congress after the shutdown is over.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Whatever the case, those watching Zeena’s behavior on the clip were undoubtedly entertained by her response to the situation.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Flemyng stars as Steven Wyles, who is causing the team of Explosives Officer, or Expo, Lana Washington, portrayed by McClure, all sorts of headaches with his sinister vendetta.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2025
  • This is the first time Cargill has been portrayed as a heel on WWE TV.
    Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Played.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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