Interplay Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

interplay

noun

in·​ter·​play ˈin-tər-ˌplā How to pronounce interplay (audio)
: interaction
the interplay of opposing forces
interplay 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 The subsequent damage to undersea cables from the ship’s anchor not only disrupted a significant portion of internet traffic between Asia and Europe but also highlighted the complex interplay between geopolitical conflicts and the security of global internet infrastructure. Robin Chataut, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2024 Hilarious, yes, but this installment also managed to highlight the interplay between the core five that would become a hallmark of the program. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2024 This discord underscored the complex interplay between environmental policy, trade dynamics, and geopolitical interests. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Mother-daughter narratives have as profuse a tradition, but with a key difference: In those stories, no matter how complex the interplay of competition and control and selfishness and sacrifice and ego, there’s the base line belief that a relationship is supposed to exist into adulthood. Mark Harris Keita Morimoto, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024 And yet as much as the world is changing, espionage remains an interplay between humans and technology. William J. Burns, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2024 By night, the mature oak, pine, and palm trees are lit up to create a magical interplay of light and shadows. Aditiashetty, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2024 There’s a monotone quality to the action and the subtleties of character interplay in the book don’t translate very well in a 580-seat theater. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2024 This dish from cookbook and Plant Powered II newsletter author Hetty Lui McKinnon is a refined open-face sandwich with a wonderful interplay of textures. Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interplay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interplay was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near interplay

Cite this Entry

“Interplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interplay. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on interplay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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