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
5
6
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 Husted played college football as a cornerback for the University of Dayton. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026 But that doesn’t tell the full story either, as Seattle has played part of the season with backup Drew Lock and hasn’t yet lost by more than three points. — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026 In a bid to get more people interested in the event, ESPN and Marvel Studios devised an intriguing collaboration that will include a 30-second promo voiced by Paul Bettany, the actor who has long played Vision in various Marvel films. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026 For one half, Texas played like the best team in the nation, and its 24-3 lead was not a fluke. — Mac Engel october 25, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026 Its creator, Ryan Murphy, decided to include an episode inspired by the famous 1969 Monegasque ball, only this time, the character played by Kardashian was the host. — Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 25 Oct. 2026 Goodell last week was skeptical the trip to and from London played a role in the entire matter. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Seven games were played between Top 10 teams, leading to some movement. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 25 Oct. 2026 How do two middle-class lads in ratty threads, who might very well have both been played by Robert Pattinson, fast-track an appointment with Jesus? — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for played
Verb
  • Mulder's dingy little base of operations has been stunningly recreated here, with both overt references and subtle nods that X-Files fans will appreciate.
    — Ian Stokes, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Artists tracked Gosling’s on-set performance and recreated it within digital environments, allowing Fraser to choose new camera positions without discarding the original acting.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Two experienced military observers described a silent craft that performed abrupt maneuvers before disappearing.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Previously, Los Tigres del Norte performed at Kamala Harris and Tim Walz’s final rally before Election Day in 2024.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Critics mocked Zacharia’s performance during her first and last press conference on Tuesday, and ripped her for describing herself as an attorney, despite having never passed the bar exam.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The Difference Between Names And Dynamics Richard Feynman recalled being mocked by another child for not knowing a bird’s name.
    — Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In one mirror selfie, Hurley lounged on a bed with her bare legs on display, holding up her phone as the oversized ring sparkled on her finger.
    — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • During virtual meetings, Brower and Simone, who are in their mid-30s, appeared on screen while Primrose lounged on their shoulders or heads.
    — KYLE MELNICK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The second-year fifth-round pick started at the MIKE spot and handled green-dot responsibilities on his way to recording six tackles and being active throughout the night.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Resolution is often a complex legal and financial negotiation, best handled by experienced advisors who understand creditor behavior.
    — Nathan Mor, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • After the break, Colleyville Heritage wide receiver Trevi Preische’s 10-yard TD reception helped the Panthers make some progress, but a 23-yard score from Caldwell put Argyle’s lead back to three-scores.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Congress answered with the Air Commerce Act of 1926, which put the Commerce Department in charge of commercial flight.
    — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Later, she’s entertained by a mouse running along the baseboard of one of London’s more elegant restaurants.
    — Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Invent new ways to satisfy our seemingly endless desire to be entertained.
    — Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The story summarizes and analyzes the Cubs’ criticism of Wrigley View Rooftop’s business model of selling seats and concessions to ticket holders to watch events at Wrigley Field, a business model the Cubs portrayed as parasitic.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Across his career and many roles, Riehle has portrayed Santa Claus in eight different projects, including five films, two television shows, and a television movie.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Played.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/played. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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