"Plays a role" is a common phrase used to describe a person's or thing's involvement in a situation or outcome. Synonyms for this phrase include "contributes," "participates," "affects," "influences," "has an impact," "shapes," "guides," "directs," "facilitates," "fosters," "assists," "promotes," "drives," "determines," "enables," and "helps shape." Using these synonyms can help diversify your vocabulary and convey a more nuanced understanding of the subject matter. By using a variety of synonyms for "plays a role," you can more accurately describe the dynamic relationship between individuals, events, and outcomes.