in play

ADJECTIVE

active

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alive effective operating

STRONG

flowing functioning going mobile movable operative progressive pushing rapid rolling running rushing rustling shifting simmering speeding streaming traveling turning walking working

WEAK

astir at work bustling efficacious exertive hasty impelling in force in process moving restless speedy swarming

Antonyms

STRONG

fixed inoperative unmovable unworking

WEAK

abeyant disinterested dormant idle immobile inactive indifferent inert lazy quiescent quiet sluggish

ADJECTIVE

going

Synonyms

STRONG

bustling flowing functioning impelling mobile movable moving operating operative progressive pushing rapid rolling running rushing rust

WEAK

alive astir at work effective efficacious exertive hasty in force in process restless

Antonyms

STRONG

fixed immobile permanent stationary unmovable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For this reason the VAR will not be able to review defensive fouls before the ball is in play because it is not possible to give a penalty.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Las Vegas casino giant MGM Resorts is in play, with Barry Diller’s company offering to buy the share of the company it doesn’t own and take it private.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Collina asked for protocol to be updated so the VAR could step in if a foul occurred before the ball was in play.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

If it had been in play during the WBC — as long as the Dominican Republic had challenges left — Perdomo surely would have used one on the final pitch of that 2-1 game.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

We lost ourselves in play, our fingers making Candles, Triangles, Diamonds, and the Manger.

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson

in play

Example Sentences

Related Words