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Showing results for play by play. Search instead for play-by-play video.
Definitions

play by play

[pley-bahy-pley] / ˈpleɪ baɪˈpleɪ /
NOUN
account
Synonyms
STRONGEST
detail explanation history narrative report story tale version
STRONG
ABCs bulletin chronicle make narration recital score tab take
WEAK
annal blow-by-blow lowdown run down the picture the whole picture
NOUN
rationalization
Synonyms
STRONGEST
justification rationale
STRONG
ABCs bulletin chronicle detail explanation history make narration narrative reason recital report score story tab take tale version
WEAK
annal blow-by-blow lowdown rundown the picture the whole picture

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.

Dynamic camerawork and play-by-play commentary amplified the tension between contestants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Tirico is just the 13th play-by-play announcer to call a national Super Bowl broadcast.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Sunday, the NBC play-by-play announcer will be baptized by fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Michaels was the play-by-play voice of ABC’s “Monday Night Football” from 1986 to 2005 and NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” from 2006 to 2021.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

We sit at the counter, and I listen to his play-by-play of school today.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.