This post contains our favorite combination of "perfect rhymes" and "near rhymes". Near rhymes are words you may have to stretch or exaggerate for songwriting and poems.
Welcome to this guide on the best words that rhyme with play!
Here you’ll find the top 171 words and phrases for rhyming the word ‘play’ .
Pretty cool huh?
Let’s get started…
Words That Rhyme With Play
- Airplay – The broadcasting or playing of music or other content on the radio, television, or other media platforms.
- Allay – To alleviate or reduce the intensity of something, often referring to fears, concerns, or doubts.
- Alleyway – A narrow passage or lane between buildings or structures, often used for pedestrian traffic or access to buildings.
- Anyway – Regardless or in spite of other considerations, often used to transition to a new topic or emphasize a point.
- Array – A systematic arrangement or organization of items or objects, often for display or presentation.
- Astray – Off course or away from the intended path or direction, often resulting in confusion or disorientation.
- Attache – A person who is assigned to an embassy or diplomatic mission, often responsible for specific duties or tasks.
- Away – Not present or in a distant location, often referring to physical absence or emotional distance.
- Aweigh – Referring to the point at which a ship’s anchor is raised and the ship begins to move, often used in maritime or nautical contexts.
- Ballet – A type of dance that is characterized by precise and graceful movements, often accompanied by music and performed by trained dancers.
- Bay – A body of water that is partially enclosed by land, often larger than a cove or inlet.
- Belay – To secure or anchor a rope or cable, often in mountaineering or rock climbing.
- Betray – To violate the trust or confidence of someone else, often by revealing secrets or going against their interests or wishes.
- Bey – A title of respect or honor used in some Muslim countries, often used to address a leader or ruler.
- Bobsleigh – A type of sled that is used for racing on a track made of ice, often with two or four people riding in it.
- Bouquet – A group of flowers or plants that are arranged or tied together for decoration or presentation.
- Brae – A Scottish word for a hillside or slope, often used in place names or poetic language.
- Bray – To make a loud, harsh, and unpleasant noise, often referring to the sound made by a donkey or mule.
- Breakaway – A sudden or decisive departure from a group or organization, often with the intention of starting something new or pursuing individual goals.
- Byplay – Subtle or indirect action or communication that takes place alongside the main action, often with hidden or implied meaning.
- Caesurae – A pause or break in a line of poetry or music, often marked by a symbol or notation.
- Cafe – A small restaurant or coffeehouse, often featuring light meals and beverages.
- Caraway – A spice derived from the seeds of a plant in the carrot family, often used in cooking and baking.
- Carriageway – A road or lane intended for vehicular traffic, often separated from pedestrian or bicycle lanes.
- Castaway – A person who is stranded or marooned on an island or other remote location, often in fiction or popular culture.
- Cay – A small island or key, often found in shallow or coastal waters.
- Clay – A type of soil or sediment composed of fine-grained minerals, often used in ceramics and pottery.
- Cliche – A phrase or expression that has become overused and lacks originality or impact.
- Companionway – A stairway or passage that provides access between different levels or compartments on a boat or ship.
- Convey – To transport or carry something from one place to another, often with the intention of delivering or distributing it.
- Copay – The portion of a medical expense or prescription cost that is paid by the patient or policyholder, often determined by insurance coverage.
- Copulae – A grammatical term referring to a linking verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a predicate or complement.
- Crochet – A type of needlework or fabric-making technique that uses a hooked needle to create loops and patterns.
- Cybercafe – A type of internet cafe or computer center where people can access the internet and use computer services.
- Day – A period of time lasting 24 hours, often referring to a specific date or calendar day.
- Decay – To break down or deteriorate over time, often referring to organic matter or infrastructure.
- Defray – To pay or provide funds for something, often with the intention of covering or offsetting expenses.
- Delay – A period of time during which something is postponed or held back, often with the intention of completing or resolving something else first.
- Dey – A title of nobility or honor used in various cultures and regions throughout history.
- Disarray – A state of confusion or disorder, often with the intention of disrupting or destabilizing something.
- Dismay – A feeling of distress or discouragement, often caused by something unexpected or difficult to handle.
- Disobey – To refuse or fail to follow instructions or rules, often with the intention of asserting independence or autonomy.
- Display – To exhibit or show something publicly, often with the intention of attracting attention or showcasing a product or idea.
- Dray – A type of cart or wagon used for transporting heavy loads, often pulled by horses or other draft animals.
- Drei – A number meaning “three” in German and other languages.
- Emigre – A person who has left their home country or region to settle in another place, often due to political, economic, or social reasons.
- Essay – A short piece of writing that presents a particular point of view, argument, or analysis, often used in academic or literary contexts.
- Everyday – Common or routine, often referring to things that are part of regular life or experience.
- Faraway – Distant or remote in space or time, often referring to places or events that are difficult to reach or recall.
- Fay – A fairy or supernatural being, often depicted in folklore and mythology.
- Fey – Magical or mystical in nature, often with a mysterious or otherworldly quality.
- Fibulae – A type of clasp or fastener used in ancient times to secure clothing or jewelry, often made of metal and decorated with intricate designs.
- Filet – A small, boneless cut of meat or fish, often used in cooking and culinary preparation.
- Fillet – A type of narrow strip or ribbon, often used in woodworking, metalworking, or cooking.
- Fistulae – A medical term referring to an abnormal passage or connection between two organs or body parts, often resulting in complications or discomfort.
- Flay – To remove the skin or outer layer from something, often referring to the preparation of food or leather.
- Flyaway – Light and easily carried by the wind, often referring to hair or clothing that is easily blown by the wind.
- Foldaway – Able to be folded or collapsed for easy storage or transport, often referring to furniture or other objects that can be easily stored in small spaces.
- Fray – A situation or conflict involving tension, often with the intention of causing division or discord.
- Gangway – A passage or walkway, often used to provide access to a ship or other large vehicle.
- Gay – Happy, cheerful, or bright in mood or appearance, often used to describe a person’s demeanor or a colorful object.
- Getaway – An escape or departure, often with the intention of leaving quickly or avoiding something else.
- Giveaway – Something that is given away for free or with little effort, often used as a promotional or advertising tool.
- Gray – A color between black and white, often used to describe objects or situations that lack color or excitement.
- Halfway – Located at the midpoint or middle point of a distance or process, often referring to a point of transition or progress.
- Hay – Grass that has been cut and dried, often used for animal feed or bedding.
- Hey – An informal greeting or expression used to attract someone’s attention or convey surprise or excitement.
- Hideaway – A place of seclusion or privacy, often used for rest or relaxation.
- Holiday – A period of time during which people celebrate or observe a particular occasion or event, often with rest or travel.
- Hooray – An exclamation of joy or excitement, often used to celebrate a victory or achievement.
- Interplay – The interaction or exchange between different things or factors, often with the intention of producing a particular result.
- Inveigh – To criticize or speak out against something strongly, often with the intention of persuading or convincing others.
- Jay – A type of bird with bright colors and distinctive markings, often found in North America.
- Lamellae – A thin layer or plate-like structure, often found in biology or anatomy.
- Lay – To put or place something down, often with the intention of arranging or organizing it.
- Layaway – A purchasing arrangement in which a customer reserves or pays for an item over time, often with the intention of completing the purchase at a later date.
- Ley – A piece of land used for pasture or meadow, often used in British English or rural contexts.
- Lingerie – Women’s undergarments, often designed for aesthetic or sensual purposes.
- Matinee – A performance or showing of a play, movie, or other event that takes place during the day, often with reduced ticket prices or a different audience demographic.
- Maxillae – The upper jaw or jawbone, often found in anatomy or dentistry.
- May – The fifth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, often associated with springtime and holidays such as Memorial Day.
- Medullae – The innermost or central part of an organ or structure, often found in biology or medicine.
- Microarray – A type of laboratory technique used to analyze and compare large numbers of genetic or biochemical samples, often used in research or diagnostics.
- Misplay – To make a mistake or error in a game or sport, often resulting in a disadvantage or loss.
- Moray – A type of eel found in tropical or subtropical waters, often used in cuisine or aquariums.
- Naivete – A lack of experience or sophistication, often resulting in a sense of innocence or idealism.
- Naturae – The Latin word for “nature,” often used in scientific or philosophical contexts.
- Nay – A negative response or rejection, often used in voting or decision-making.
- Nebulae – A cloud of gas and dust in space, often associated with the formation of stars and galaxies.
- Neigh – The sound made by a horse, often used in onomatopoeia or to describe the behavior of horses.
- Noway – An exclamation of disbelief or rejection, often used to express disagreement or incredulity.
- Obey – To follow instructions or rules, often with the intention of showing respect or compliance.
- Okay – An expression of agreement, acceptance, or approval, often used to indicate that something is satisfactory or acceptable.
- Outplay – To outperform or surpass someone in a game or activity, often with the intention of winning or achieving success.
- Outstay – To stay or remain somewhere for a longer period than intended or desired, often with the intention of causing inconvenience or overstaying a welcome.
- Overlay – To cover or coat something with a layer or surface, often with the intention of enhancing or protecting it.
- Overpay – To pay more than is necessary or expected for something, often with the intention of showing generosity or desperation.
- Overplay – To exaggerate or overemphasize something, often with the intention of creating drama or humor.
- Overstay – To remain or stay somewhere for longer than intended or desired, often with the intention of causing inconvenience or overstaying a welcome.
- Papillae – Small, nipple-like projections or structures found in the skin, tongue, or other parts of the body, often used in anatomy or biology.
- Parquet – A type of flooring made of small wooden blocks or panels arranged in a geometric pattern, often used in interior design or architecture.
- Passageway – A corridor, hallway, or other narrow space used for passage or transit, often found in buildings or transportation infrastructure.
- Pay – To give or transfer money in exchange for goods or services, often used in financial transactions or employment.
- Payee – The person or entity that receives payment for goods or services, often used in financial transactions or contracts.
- Penumbrae – The partial shadow or less intense part of a shadow, often found in astronomy or photography.
- Pleurae – The membranes surrounding the lungs and chest cavity, often found in anatomy or medicine.
- Portray – To represent or depict something or someone in a particular way, often in art, literature, or film.
- Pray – To make a request or plea to a deity or higher power, often with the intention of seeking guidance or assistance.
- Prepay – To pay for something in advance, often with the intention of securing a reservation or avoiding additional fees.
- Prey – An animal that is hunted or killed by another animal, often used in ecology or biology.
- Puree – A type of food that has been blended or mashed into a smooth, creamy consistency, often used in cooking or baby food.
- Purvey – To provide or supply something, often with the intention of selling or distributing it.
- Ray – A type of fish or marine creature with a flat body and long, pointed tail, often found in tropical waters.
- Repay – To pay back or return something, often used in financial transactions or personal relationships.
- Replay – To repeat or review something, often referring to a recording or video of an event.
- Respray – To paint or coat something again, often with the intention of restoring or refreshing its appearance.
- Resurvey – To survey or measure something again, often with the intention of updating or improving the original survey.
- Reweigh – To weigh something again, often with the intention of correcting or verifying the original measurement.
- Ricochet – To rebound or bounce off a surface, often used in reference to projectiles or other fast-moving objects.
- Roue – A man who is licentious or dissolute, often used to describe a womanizer or libertine.
- Roundelay – A type of musical composition or poem with a repeating chorus or refrain, often used in medieval or Renaissance literature.
- Runaway – A person who has run away or escaped from a situation or place, often with the intention of avoiding something or seeking freedom.
- Sachet – A small bag or pouch used to hold aromatic substances or potpourri, often used in fragrance or home decor.
- Salmonellae – A type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning or other illnesses, often found in raw or undercooked meat, eggs, or other food products.
- Say – To speak or express something aloud, often with the intention of communicating or conveying information.
- Scapulae – The shoulder blades or bone structures in the upper back, often found in anatomy or medicine.
- Sequelae – The after-effects or consequences of a disease, injury, or other medical condition, often used in medicine or public health.
- Shay – A type of horse-drawn carriage with two or three wheels, often used in the 19th century.
- Sickbay – A medical facility or ward on a ship or other confined space, often used for treating illnesses or injuries.
- Slay – To kill or defeat someone or something, often used in violent or competitive contexts.
- Sleigh – A type of vehicle or sled used for transportation over snow or ice, often associated with winter or Christmas.
- Soiree – A social gathering or party, often held in the evening or at night and featuring food, drink, and entertainment.
- Spay – To sterilize a female animal, often by removing the ovaries or uterus, in order to prevent reproduction or reduce the risk of certain diseases.
- Splay – To spread or extend outwards in different directions, often referring to limbs or other appendages.
- Spray – To distribute a liquid or mist in a fine, dispersed pattern, often using a spray bottle or other device.
- Stay – To remain in a particular place or situation, often with the intention of avoiding movement or change.
- Stingray – A type of marine animal with a flat, diamond-shaped body and a long, whip-like tail, often found in tropical waters.
- Stowaway – A person who hides on a ship, plane, or other vehicle in order to travel without paying or being detected, often used in transportation or travel contexts.
- Straightaway – A section of a racecourse or track that is straight and unobstructed, often used in racing or sports.
- Stray – To wander or move away from a particular place or group, often without intention or direction.
- Survey – To examine or investigate something thoroughly, often with the intention of collecting data or information.
- Sway – To move or swing back and forth, often in response to external forces or influences.
- Tae – A Scottish dialect pronunciation of the word “toe,” often used in informal speech or writing.
- Takeaway – A type of food or drink that is ordered to be consumed off-premises, often used in the food service industry.
- Tearaway – A person who is reckless or impulsive, often used to describe young people or troublemakers.
- They – A pronoun used to refer to a group of people or objects, often used in language or grammar.
- Today – The present day or time, often used in reference to current events or schedules.
- Toupee – A type of hairpiece or wig worn by men to cover baldness or hair loss, often used in fashion or beauty.
- Trabeculae – The thin, branching structures that form the framework of many organs or tissues in the body, often found in anatomy or medicine.
- Tray – A flat, shallow container used for holding or carrying objects, often used in serving or transport.
- Tre – The Italian word for “three,” often used in musical notation or Italian language.
- Trey – A card with the value of three in a standard deck of playing cards, often used in card games or gambling.
- Umbrae – The dark, shaded areas that are created by the blocking of light, often used in astronomy or photography.
- Underlay – To place something underneath another material, often to provide support or cushioning.
- Underpay – To pay someone less than they are owed or deserve, often used in employment or labor contexts.
- Underplay – To downplay or minimize the significance or importance of something, often used in acting or performance.
- Underway – In progress or in motion, often used to describe a project, journey, or other undertaking.
- Urethrae – The tube or duct that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, often found in anatomy or medicine.
- Uvulae – The small, fleshy flap of tissue that hangs down at the back of the throat, often found in anatomy or medicine.
- Valet – A person who performs personal services such as parking cars, carrying luggage, or running errands, often used in hospitality or transportation.
- Vertebrae – The bones that make up the spinal column, often found in anatomy or medicine.
- Walkaway – A type of victory or achievement that is easily attained or accomplished, often used in sports or competition.
- Waterway – A natural or artificial channel for the passage of water, often used for navigation, transportation, or irrigation.
- Way – A path or route from one place to another, often used in directions or travel.
- Wei – A unit of measurement used in China, often used to describe weight or mass.
- Weigh – To measure the weight of something, often using a scale or other device.
- Whey – The liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained, often used in the production of cheese or other dairy products.
- Wordplay – A type of language use in which the sounds, meanings, or spellings of words are manipulated or exploited for humorous or creative effect.
- Workaday – Ordinary or routine, often used to describe everyday tasks or activities.
- Yesterday – The day before today, often used in reference to past events or time.
- Zwei – The German word for “two,” often used in counting or measurement.






