To be amiable and cooperative when interacting with others. The phrase is based on a common statement of praise for schoolchildren and is often used in the negative to describe adults who are competitive or aggressive. A: "Who can we add to the team that won't mess up its chemistry?" B: "How about Melissa? She plays well with others."I didn't come on this reality show to make friends. The other competitors better watch out, because I don't play well with others.