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.

Aspects of the formula have been in play for years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

Attacking foul before the ball is in play: The Ifab has given Fifa permission to allow a VAR review if it directly leads to a goal, penalty or disciplinary sanction.

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

Tucker’s home run clocked an exit velocity of 107.6 mph, the hardest contact he’s made in play this year, per Statcast.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Farder Coram was a chess player, and he knew how chess players looked at a game in play.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

in play

Example Sentences

Related Words