Meanings
verbplay a role (third-person singular simple present plays a role, present participle playing a role, simple past and past participle played a role)
present singular third person plays a role · participle present playing a role · participle past played a role · past played a role · alternative dated play a rôle
- idiomaticTo have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.
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1 more example
She played a role in organizing the protest.
Synonyms: play a part
- broadcastingTo portray a character in a performance.
Synonyms & antonyms
verbTo have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.
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Cite this entry
APA
play a role. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/play%20a%20role
MLA
“play a role.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/play%20a%20role. Accessed November 2, 2026.
Chicago
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “play a role,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/play%20a%20role.
Source: play a role on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.