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
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.
Healthy relationships benefit from a dynamic interplay between intimacy and individuality. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025 Despite its contemporary nature, the house blends in perfectly with the neighboring houses in the relatively rural area, thanks to that interplay of greens and reds that evokes the architecture of the South of France. María Noval-Quílez, Architectural Digest, 30 Mar. 2025 The interplay of gas prices, gas taxes and roadway conditions is a perennial political football. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025 How does the geopolitical interplay of China and the U.S. factor into this new world of AI software development? John Werner, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interplay. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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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