PLYING Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

plying 1 of 2

verb (1)

present participle of ply

as in exerting

to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively she plied all of her charm and intelligence to convince everyone to volunteer as tutors

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plying

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of ply

as in weaving

to cause to twine about one another two single yarns were plied together to get the fabric that smooth, firm feel

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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 plying

Verb

These challenges are why solar sails aren't yet plying the vastness of space. — Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 31 May 2026 From there, the Amerongen sailed east, plying colonial trade routes around Java. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 14 May 2026 The 6-foot-2 goalkeeper has been plying his craft professionally for nearly two decades, having bounced around to nine different club teams in the process. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026 No one has been plying his trade on Katella Avenue longer than Terry, and that’s shown through in his leadership by example, his support of his teammates and his production. — Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 Although by this point Garrison had already been plying the slammer trade for several years, Alfortish wasn’t shy about offering him tactical advice. — Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 However, in a preliminary list announced by the head coach this week — which previewed the names of players currently plying their trade in the Mexican league — a vacant spot was left among the goalkeepers specifically for players based abroad. — German Fernández-Moores, Houston Chronicle, 1 May 2026 The kitschy Bubble Room restaurant is serving up its legendary sky-high slices of cake, and Captiva Cruises has a full schedule of sunset, wildlife watching, and sightseeing tours plying the local waterways. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 16 May 2026 This allows local broadcasters and streamers to build their own packages around national stars plying their trade in the Premier League, and for PLP to ensure new content was available at the start of every new season. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plying

Verb

The announcement comes ahead of a visit to the United States by new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, with Washington exerting pressure on Baghdad to ensure the factions turn in their weapons.

— Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was not a new way of exerting and expanding power.

— Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Definition of exerting

Verb

Following the mini concert, attendees dispersed across the property, gathering around a massive outdoor fireplace and weaving through the home’s stylish interiors.

— Vogue, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Some riders gallivant and whoosh past bystanders, weaving in and out and putting surrounding passersby on edge.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of weaving

Verb

In court documents, O’Hara alleged the defendants violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, accusing them of unlawfully restricting free speech and initiating an unlawful seizure while using excessive force.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Definition of using

Verb

Normally, credit bureaus tally any credit checks within a 45-day period as one credit check, and your credit score shouldn't go down more than several points when applying to multiple lenders.

— Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Madonna divorced from Guy Ritchie in 2008, before applying to adopt Mercy, and her adoption application was initially rejected by the courts.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Definition of applying

Verb

Three Arkansas State Park Rangers who shot and killed a machete-wielding man at a Roland residence in May acted lawfully, the prosecuting attorney for the Sixth Judicial District determined.

— Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 6 July 2026
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, was attacked in 2022 by a hammer-wielding assailant.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Definition of wielding

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ply

plying

plying (with)

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“Plying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plying. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of plying

verb (1)

verb (2)

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