Synonyms for "play"
14 kid-friendly synonyms for play, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).
What does "play" mean?
The word play is a verb that means: to do something fun.
Example: "Let's play tag!"
Grade K–2Easy synonyms for play
Younger kids can use these in place of "play":
Grade 3–5Stronger words for play
For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:
Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for play
Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:
Opposites of play (antonyms)
Words that mean the opposite of play:
FAQ — synonyms for play
What is a good synonym for play in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try have fun. For older students, "engage" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does play have?
We list 14 grade-appropriate synonyms for play across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is play a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, play is used as a verb.
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