What does "replay" mean?
An act or instance of replaying (of playing something, such as a game, again); a replaying of (something).
Replay
/ɹiːˈpleɪ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An act or instance of replaying (of playing something, such as a game, again); a replaying of (something).
- Grammar: replay is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: action replay, do over, encore, encored.
- Useful contrasts: erasure, forget, forgetting.
- Usage evidence: But in return they get a clear look at important games, and if they miss something, they can always rely on the commentator's description or the instant replay.
How to use "replay"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "replay" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "replay" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "replay" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "replay" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "replay" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "action replay" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "replay", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An act or instance of replaying (of playing something, such as a game, again); a replaying of (something).
"One of the features of Diablo that gives it good replay value is the ability to choose from three character types. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, thus requiring different strategies and tactics."
- 2 the immediate rebroadcast of some action (especially sports action) that has been recorded on videotape wordnet
- 3 A repeat or subsequent playing of some or all of something which was previously broadcast or performed, or a playing of something which was recorded, such as a live event or a television broadcast, the gameplay of a computer game, etc.
"He met Luis Suarez's cross at the far post, only for Chelsea keeper Petr Cech to show brilliant reflexes to deflect his header on to the bar. Carroll turned away to lead Liverpool's insistent protests that the ball had crossed the line but referee Phil Dowd and assistant referee Andrew Garratt waved play on, with even a succession of replays proving inconclusive."
- 4 something (especially a game) that is played again wordnet
- 5 A (video or audio) recording of an action or event that is or can be replayed after being recorded; saved video footage (which is, or can be, replayed) of the gameplay of a computer game, a (portion of a) televised sports match, etc.
"Show us that replay one more time."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A replayed match, often after the first game or match ended in a draw; a rematch.
"As late as 1971 he was still chasing silverware, helping Real reach the European Cup-Winners' Cup final where they were beaten in a replay by a Peter Osgood goal for Chelsea."
- 7 A repetition of another event, scene, or occurrence; a recurrence or reenactment.
"Lucia is now the wealthy wife of a well-known orchestra conductor, but like Max she is irresistibly drawn into a replay of their intense liasison, with tragic consequences."
Verb
- 1 To play again. transitive
"So I replayed my '46 scenario and asked another unstandard academic, a charismatic, disenchanted philosophy professor named George Geiger, who had been Lou Gehrig's backup on the Columbia baseball team and John Dewey's last graduate student, what I should do."
- 2 play again wordnet
- 3 To display a recording of a previous event, especially multiple times. transitive
"Sundown yellow moon / I replay the past / I know every scene by heart / They all went by so fast"
- 4 repeat a game against the same opponent wordnet
- 5 play (a melody) again wordnet
Show 1 more definition
- 6 reproduce (a recording) on a recorder wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"But in return they get a clear look at important games, and if they miss something, they can always rely on the commentator's description or the instant replay."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "replay"?
Common synonyms include: action replay, do over, encore, encored, instant replay, let.
How do you use "replay" in a sentence?
But in return they get a clear look at important games, and if they miss something, they can always rely on the commentator's description or the instant replay.
How do you pronounce "replay"?
Pronounced /ɹiːˈpleɪ/.
Etymology
From re- + play.