For "to engage in an activity for enjoyment":
* Amuse oneself: This is a more formal way to say "play."
* Have fun: This is a more casual way to say "play."
* Recreate: This implies a more structured activity, like playing sports.
* Frolic: This is a playful and lively word for playing.
* Dally: This implies wasting time, but in a fun way.
* Gambol: This is a word for playful running and jumping.
* Sport: This can be used in a general sense for any enjoyable activity.
For "to perform music on an instrument":
* Perform: This is a more formal way to say "play" music.
* Execute: This is a very technical term for playing music.
* Render: This implies a specific interpretation of the music.
* Interpret: This implies a deep understanding of the music.
For "to act in a play":
* Perform: This is a more formal way to say "play" in a play.
* Enact: This implies a serious or dramatic interpretation of the role.
* Represent: This implies accurately portraying the character.
* Stage: This is a more technical term for acting in a play.
For "to use or manipulate":
* Manipulate: This implies a more skillful or clever use of something.
* Utilize: This implies a practical use of something.
* Employ: This implies a purposeful use of something.
* Operate: This implies a mechanical or technical use of something.
For "to gamble":
* Wager: This is a more formal way to say "play" in a gambling context.
* Bet: This is a more casual way to say "play" in a gambling context.
* Stake: This implies a larger sum of money being risked.
* Gamble: This is a more neutral way to say "play" in a gambling context.
For "to act in a way that is not serious":
* Joke: This implies a lighthearted or humorous way of acting.
* Kid: This is a more informal way to say "play" in this context.
* Fool around: This implies acting in a silly or frivolous way.
* Tease: This implies making fun of someone in a lighthearted way.
Please provide more context about how you are using the word "play" so I can give you a more specific answer.