play the role
idiom
: to act the part of (a particular character) in a film, play, etc.
He often plays the role of the villain.
—often used figurativelyHe was playing the role of (the) gracious host.
Examples of play the role in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Andrew Barth Feldman will replace Darren Criss in the Tony Award-winning musical Maybe Happy Ending.
Feldman, who starred in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway, as well as the film No Hard Feelings, will play the role of Oliver starting Sept. 2 for a nine-week run through Nov. 1.
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Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025
Pratt will play the role of Daisy, a new member of the Seattle Animal Control squad who serves as Templeton Dudge’s (Gerry Dee) partner.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 23 July 2025
Turn up the pressure by asking a friend or peer to play the role of interviewer.
—Carmine Gallo, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
The Herman’s Head actress originally auditioned to play the role of Ross's (David Schwimmer) future love, Rachel Green, back in 1994, but with her second pregnancy in full swing, fate had other plans, leading her to the role of Ross’s ex-wife Carol.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 June 2025
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Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025
Pratt will play the role of Daisy, a new member of the Seattle Animal Control squad who serves as Templeton Dudge’s (Gerry Dee) partner.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 23 July 2025
Turn up the pressure by asking a friend or peer to play the role of interviewer.
—Carmine Gallo, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
The Herman’s Head actress originally auditioned to play the role of Ross's (David Schwimmer) future love, Rachel Green, back in 1994, but with her second pregnancy in full swing, fate had other plans, leading her to the role of Ross’s ex-wife Carol.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the role
Cite this Entry
“Play the role.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20the%20role. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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