Play
Play verb - To deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently.
Usage example: this is how we're going to play the situation
React
React verb - To act or behave in response (as to a stimulus or influence).
Common collocations
| man | play man | react man |
| time | play time | react time |
| way | play way | react way |
| characters | play characters | react characters |
| Other words: bit. | ||
Both words in one sentence
- PB and Finn decide to play a harmless prank on Lemongrab—they leave a sign beside his bed that says "YOU REALLY SMELL LIKE DOG BUNS." How does he react?
-
Princess Bubblegum and Finn decide to play a harmless prank on the earl of Lemongrab— they leave a sign beside his bed that says "YOU REALLY SMELL LIKE DOG BUNS." How does the earl react?
Source: Felony Misdemeanor -
By the late stages of the game he is able to play lesser-skilled opponents like a violin, knowing exactly how they will react to whatever pitch he tells Mihashi to throw.
Source: Manga / Big Windup
Cite this Source
React and Play. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/play/react
Play & React. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/play/react>.
React or Play. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/play/react.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "play" and "react" have occurred on timeline