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

Explanation

Interplay is a kind of back-and-forth interaction in which each side affects the other. A beautiful piece of music has the perfect interplay between melody, rhythm, and harmony. You can think of interplay as if you're watching an actual play on a stage: the way two characters communicate, whether they're cooperating or clashing with each other, is a kind of interplay. This word is often used in a less concrete way, so you might hear a sociologist talk about the interplay between race and class or a film critic discuss the interplay between violence and comedy in a movie.

Example Sentences

Given the range of the material and the savvy interplay, the music sounds far less like a studio experiment and more like a band ready to hit the road.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

"He arrives at a moment when established leaders are seen as jaded. He represents youth - and a new interplay of memory and messaging in how voters imagine their leaders."

From BBC • May 5, 2026

“The interplay between tariffs, late-cycle fiscal stimulus, and geopolitical tensions runs the risk of re-kindling inflation,” said Jason Pride and Michael Reynolds at Glenmede.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Toossi follows the interplay of the differing viewpoints and lived experiences.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Your studies of the interplay of human motives and emotions”—his mighty hand gestured vaguely as he sought the proper words.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov

Related Words

• give-and-take