The phrase "plays role" is commonly used to indicate someone or something's involvement in a certain situation or event. There are several synonyms that can be used to replace this phrase, including "participates in," "contributes to," "has an impact on," "assumes a role," and "performs a role." Each of these synonyms emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the original phrase, but all convey the same basic idea of someone or something being a key player in a certain context. By using synonyms such as these, writers can add variety to their language and avoid repetition in their writing.