at play

phrase

1
: in the act of playing
the sounds of children at play
2
: being something that helps produce or influence a result
Several issues are at play in determining the price of gasoline.

Examples of at play in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s not to say the government needs proof to exercise autonomy over what to do with our bodies, but perhaps there was a more nefarious plot at play when the ban that propels One Night Only came into being. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026 In certain cases, non-fundamental forces were likely at play to the upside — and to the downside. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 Coolness may not be the only factor at play with Gen Zers, however. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026 The Oscars smooch caused a stir in the media, but Haven later denied that there was anything untoward at play. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at play

Rhymes for at play

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Browse Nearby Words

at peace
at play
at present
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Cite this Entry

“At play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20play. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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