interplay

noun

in·​ter·​play ˈin-tər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: interaction
the interplay of opposing forces
interplay
ˌin-tər-ˈplā How to pronounce interplay (audio) ˈin-tər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
intransitive verb

Examples of interplay in a Sentence

the interplay between the old and the new enjoys the interplay of three very different flavors
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Her golden locks were styled into a dramatic interplay of braids and twists, pinned low on one side to make room for her fascinator. — Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 20 June 2026 Often, the laughs on the show are generated by a delicate interplay between the music and the sound design. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 12 June 2026 The store echoes a Miami resort feeling with warm wood finishes, refined display vitrines and an interplay of natural light and soft tonal palettes. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 Such spatial choreography has long been Toumbakaris’ forte when designing not only the look of spaces, but the interplay of people and objects within them. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for interplay

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interplay was in 1862

Rhymes for interplay

See All Rhymes for interplay

Browse Nearby Words

interplant
interplay
interplea
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interplay. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

interplay

noun
in·​ter·​play ˈint-ər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: mutual action or influence : interaction
interplay
ˌint-ər-ˈplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
ˈint-ər-ˌplā
verb

More from Merriam-Webster on interplay

Nglish: Translation of interplay for Spanish Speakers

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