Synonyms for play

a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage (noun)

• drama

a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill (noun)

• maneuver
• manoeuvre

an attempt to get something (noun)

• bid

activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules (noun)

(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds (noun)

the removal of constraints (noun)

a weak and tremulous light (noun)

• shimmer

verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously) (noun)

• fun
• sport

movement or space for movement (noun)

• looseness

gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement (noun)

• frolic
• romp
• gambol
• caper

(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession (noun)

• turn

the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize) (noun)

• gambling
• gaming

the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully (noun)

• swordplay

play a role or part (verb)

• act
• represent

replay (as a melody) (verb)

• spiel

pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind (verb)

engage in recreational activities rather than work (verb)

• recreate

engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously (verb)

• toy

cause to emit recorded audio or video (verb)

• run

manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination (verb)

• fiddle
• diddle

consider not very seriously (verb)

• dally
• trifle

behave carelessly or indifferently (verb)

• flirt

perform on a stage or theater (verb)

• roleplay
• playact

cause to happen or to occur as a consequence (verb)

• bring
• work
• wreak

stake on the outcome of an issue (verb)

• bet
• wager

contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle (verb)

• meet
• encounter