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play-acting

  • a word derived from play-act.
    play-act
    verb
    (intr) to pretend or make believe

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Investors need to be able to distinguish “the play-acting from the real stuff.”

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 20, 2026

Le Garrec is not the first player to be accused of play-acting this season.

From BBC ● Apr. 23, 2025

Even when he's play-acting, as he was on Monday at Arlington, he can't seem to get it right.

From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2024

Marie’s number “Children and Art,” in which she tries to pass down what’s she’s gleaned from her long life, leaves an impression of play-acting.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 21, 2023

Dave was within twenty feet when the play-acting ceased.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov