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 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 Reimbursement to private medical providers, though, is less directly influenced by the interplay of local and federal funding. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2024 However, international initiatives have demonstrated varying degrees of success in bolstering domestic industries and consumer demand for the same—the success of such programs is not guaranteed and often hinges on a complex interplay of factors. Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 One is the interplay between technology and tactics: the IDF’s secret weapon has been its ability to adapt swiftly on the battlefield when crisis strikes. Shashank Joshi, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 In the dynamic interplay of culture and commerce, brands that can adapt to new trends and embrace pop culture need to be active participants and not just spectators. Angelique Kuiper, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2024 The discerning leader will recognize this interplay of conditions and perception is also how far more complex forms come about, from widgets to buildings to social networks and democracies. Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 This interplay between Shorts, longform, music and live immerses fans in the vibrant world across all formats. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 28 Feb. 2024 This adversarial interplay results in the refinement of both components, leading to the generation of increasingly authentic-seeming content. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Feb. 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 28 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!