play dead

[play ded] / ˈpleɪ ˈdɛd /

VERB

surrender

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abandon capitulate cede commit concede give in hand over leave quit relinquish renounce submit succumb waive yield

STRONG

consign entrust fall fold knuckle

WEAK

buckle under cave in cry uncle deliver up eat crow eat humble pie go along with go down go under knuckle under let go pack it in part with put up white flag roll over throw in the towel toss it in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

come continue defend fight hold keep refuse reject retain win

WEAK

conquer surpass

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.

play dead

Experts say that, in these situations, it is best to lie down and play dead.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2026

Mr Godino tells me they play dead when they feel under threat.

From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2025

But the snakes of Golem Grad island — whose main predators are birds — often play dead.

From New York Times ● May 7, 2024

The advice is different with a smaller black bear: Don’t play dead.

From National Geographic ● Aug. 17, 2023

You can pick it up on a stick, and it’ll still play dead.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

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