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Definitions

play for keeps

ADJECTIVE
dynamic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aggressive changing charismatic compelling effective energetic forceful influential lively potent powerful productive progressive vigorous
STRONG
activating driving electric energizing go ahead go-getter
WEAK
coming on strong enterprising forcible go-getting high-powered hyped-up intense lusty magnetic peppy play hard ball red-blooded strenuous vehement vitalizing zippy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fruitless idle impotent inactive incapable ineffective lethargic lifeless unproductive weak
WEAK
apathetic boring dull passive unexciting

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.

In a second go-around he’d have to play for keeps.

From Fox News • Oct. 9, 2019

“Spring’s one thing, but when the lights turn on, these guys play for keeps and you’ve got to be able to compete. So, I’ve got to go down and get better.”

From Washington Times • May 1, 2017

While some millennials are content to play "Money Tree" on their iPhones, others play for keeps.

From US News • Mar. 18, 2015

Even in practice, the fanatical Longhorns play for keeps.

From Time Magazine Archive

The knockout possibilities knock Dorcas out because here—with grown-ups and as in war—people play for keeps.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison