at play
idiom
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
While the motivations for seeking alternative residency are deeply personal, there are macroeconomic and geopolitical forces currently at play that are reshaping the whole landscape.
—
Dominic Jones, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
But Zillow, in a report published Thursday, also shows above-average demand still at play in metro Denver.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
What kind of power dynamics are at play with Louis and Armand?
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 31 May 2025
As the officers investigate the situation, Officer Alvarez (Alonso Garcia) notices cultural clues that suggest something larger is at play.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for at play
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Dominic Jones, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
But Zillow, in a report published Thursday, also shows above-average demand still at play in metro Denver.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
What kind of power dynamics are at play with Louis and Armand?
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 31 May 2025
As the officers investigate the situation, Officer Alvarez (Alonso Garcia) notices cultural clues that suggest something larger is at play.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for at play
Cite this Entry
“At play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20play. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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