interplay

American  

[in-ter-pley, in-ter-pley, in-ter-pley] / ˈɪn tərˌpleɪ, ˌɪn tərˈpleɪ, ˈɪn tərˌpleɪ /

noun

1. reciprocal relationship, action, or influence.

   the interplay of plot and character.

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verb (used without object)

1. to exert influence on each other.

interplay British  

/ ˈɪntəˌpleɪ /

noun

1. reciprocal and mutual action and reaction, as in circumstances, events, or personal relations

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Etymology

Origin of interplay

First recorded in 1860–65; inter- + play

Example Sentences

“Let Me Roll It” had a funky swagger, while “Getting Better” chugged with cheerful insistence; “I’ve Just Seen a Face” showed off the group’s crisp harmonies and “Lady Madonna” its tight rhythmic interplay.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

"Sourdough remains a fascinating interplay of biology and craftsmanship," González Alonso concludes.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

“I love the interplay between emotions in trading and the math of the economy and markets,” he says.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Those who appreciate a little chiaroscuro interplay in their trashy TV ensembles might fall for this guy, if only for being a potent, balancing opposition to Rapaport’s windbaggery.

From Salon • Jan. 15, 2026

Instead, they saw the interplay of numerals—numbers stripped of their geometric significance.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Related Words

• give-and-take