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
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The Knights faced a tough 91-87 defeat at No. 11 Kansas on Tuesday, a game that felt like a Sweet 16 matchup as Johnny Dawkins‘ team tried to play the role of Cinderella.
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Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025
For over a century, a relative handful of daily newspapers, radio stations, and television networks attempted to play the role of neutral arbiters of truth for broad, ideologically diverse readerships.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Debbie Kurup will play the role of Miranda Priestly during Williams' absence.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025
Each performance, the audience decides which actor will play the role of God.
—John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
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Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025
For over a century, a relative handful of daily newspapers, radio stations, and television networks attempted to play the role of neutral arbiters of truth for broad, ideologically diverse readerships.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Debbie Kurup will play the role of Miranda Priestly during Williams' absence.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025
Each performance, the audience decides which actor will play the role of God.
—John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for play the role
Dictionary Entries Near 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 16 Feb. 2025.
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