interplay

noun

in·​ter·​play ˈin-tər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: interaction
the interplay of opposing forces
interplay
ˌin-tər-ˈplā How to pronounce interplay (audio) ˈin-tər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
intransitive verb

Examples of interplay in a Sentence

the interplay between the old and the new enjoys the interplay of three very different flavors
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.
There has always been something compelling about Paul Baker, something about the interplay between his frat-star good looks and Canadian soft-boy heart. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 Hilarious, yes, but this installment also managed to highlight the interplay between the core five that would become a hallmark of the program. — Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026 The tiraditos at Octopus Peru showcase the delicate interplay of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The United States still has much to learn about the interplay of human judgment and AI in warfare and getting a baseline understanding of judgment without the help of AI is essential to tracking AI’s positive and negative effects as time goes on. — Emelia S. Probasco, Foreign Affairs, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interplay

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interplay was in 1862

Rhymes for interplay

See All Rhymes for interplay

Browse Nearby Words

interplant
interplay
interplea
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interplay. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

interplay

noun
in·​ter·​play ˈint-ər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: mutual action or influence : interaction
interplay
ˌint-ər-ˈplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
ˈint-ər-ˌplā
verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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