passion play

noun

variants often Passion play
: a dramatic representation of the scenes connected with the passion and crucifixion of Jesus

Examples of passion play in a Sentence

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.
The whole device makes this feel like a fable or passion play, a story as old as ancient tragedy and yet ineluctably contemporary. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 12 Feb. 2026 Worried over his role in the unfolding passion play, Slusser left Atlanta to return to the Midwest. — Martin Padgett june 12, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025 During Muharram a community group will often stage a passion play (taʿziyyah) that reenacts the events of Ḥusayn’s martyrdom. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026 This time, the Antetokounmpo situation is playing out as a passion play of passive aggression. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for passion play

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of passion play was in 1850

Rhymes for passion play

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Browse Nearby Words

Passion music
passion play
Passion Sunday
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Passion play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passion%20play. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

passion play

noun
often capitalized 1st P
: a play representing scenes connected with Jesus' suffering and crucifixion

More from Merriam-Webster on passion play

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about passion play

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