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Definitions

play on

VERB
exploit
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abuse apply capitalize on employ handle manipulate mine profit from use utilize
STRONG
bleed exercise finesse fleece jockey maneuver milk play skin soak stick work
WEAK
avail oneself of cash in on get mileage out of impose upon make capital of make use of profit by put to use
Antonyms
STRONGEST
leave alone misuse
VERB
move
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bring carry convert drive lead operate propel push shift start turn
STRONG
activate actuate advocate affect agitate budge cause excite impel impress incite induce inspire inspirit instigate introduce persuade prompt propose quicken recommend rouse shove stimulate stir strike submit suggest sway touch urge
WEAK
bring up draw up get going give rise to prevail upon put forward tug at work on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discourage dissuade hold keep lose remain repress stop
STRONG
calm delay dull halt hinder leave alone lull oppose prevent quiet slow suppress tranquilize
WEAK
dishearten fix pause stay
VERB
manipulate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
exploit handle influence maneuver shape
STRONG
beguile conduct control direct engineer finagle guide jockey machinate massage mold negotiate play steer upstage use
WEAK
finesse play games pull strings pull wires push around
Antonyms
STRONGEST
neglect
STRONG
abandon leave leave alone misguide mislead
VERB
use
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adopt apply employ handle manage operate practice run spend utilize wield work
STRONG
capitalize capitalize on consume deplete exercise exert exhaust expend occupy ply squander take waste
WEAK
avail oneself of bring into play bring to bear draw on find a use make do with make the most of make use press into service put forth put into action put to use put to work run through turn to account
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cease halt leave alone let go mismanage misuse neglect reject renounce repudiate stop
STRONG
save
WEAK
abstain

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.

Others are ready to play on varsity as freshmen because of their physical and mental prowess.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Liverpool could not play on the Monday because of the Champions League, so Sky Sports could swap the games.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Round number theory is coming into play on the weekly chart as the PPH tests an 18-month break above a cup base pivot of $99.61:

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

McGinn initially thought he might be able to play on without surgery.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Coach drew up a play on his clipboard.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

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