in play

Currently active, being used, or able to affect what happens.

• The ball is still in play.
• Several forces were in play during the negotiations.
• Are all these options still in play?

How to use it: be in play (Several different factors are in play here.); keep something in play (The team managed to keep the ball in play.)

Similar words: active, operative, in effect

Opposites: inactive

Common phrases: still in play, remain in play, options in play

Something can still be used in a game or considered as a possible choice.

• The ball is still in play.
• Several possible solutions remain in play.
• The referee kept the ball in play.

Similar words: available

Opposites: unavailable

Common phrases: ball in play, keep in play, still in play

More than one political party or candidate has a real chance of winning.

• This seat is in play.
• Recent polls put three more states in play.
• Will the district be in play next year?

Similar words: competitive, up for grabs

Common phrases: state in play, seat in play, remain in play

A company may be bought by another company or investor.

• The company is in play.
• A surprise offer put the business in play.
• Investors believe the bank is now in play.

Similar words: up for sale

Common phrases: company in play, put in play, now in play

As a joke or for fun, without serious intentions.

• I said it in play.
• She teased him in play, and he laughed.
• His remark was made in play, but it upset her.

Similar words: in jest, jokingly, playfully

Opposites: seriously

Common phrases: said in play, only in play, spoken in play