fun 1 of 3

Definition of funnext

fun

2 of 3

noun

1
2
as in play
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously when I said that playing the piano like that could get you arrested, I only said it in fun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

fun

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun fun differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fun are game, jest, play, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How do game and sport relate to one another, in the sense of fun?

Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.

made game of their poor relations

When can jest be used instead of fun?

The words jest and fun can be used in similar contexts, but jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

When might play be a better fit than fun?

In some situations, the words play and fun are roughly equivalent. However, play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.

pretended to strangle his brother in play

In what contexts can sport take the place of fun?

The synonyms sport and fun are sometimes interchangeable, but sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fun
Adjective
What’s a fun way to bring play into a connection? Usa Today, USA Today, 16 June 2026 There’s fun connective tissue between Penn and Cooper. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 June 2026
Noun
Spending time with them isn't just for inspirational fun. Keith Ferrazzi, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Of course, the players adore him because his style is frenetic and fun. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
Adjective
  • This is amusing but understandable; in an era where commodity fetishism has turned analog, low-budget cinema into something aspirational, Jenkin has made no compromises for accessibility.
    Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 June 2026
  • Regal bontebok were replaced by stout warthogs, whose amusing visages quickly filled my camera roll.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • The new partnership marks the most ambitious collaboration between HRTS and Easterseals Disability Services to date, with the organizations previously joining forces on numerous initiatives aiming to improve accessibility in the entertainment industry and authentic representation on screen.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 18 June 2026
  • The figures involved in setting up the fight are Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Al-Sheikh, Ring Magazine and Saudi entertainment group Sela as well as broadcaster Netflix.
    Chris McKenna, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • At Prisk Elementary, students have four periods of play a day, varying between structured and unstructured play to prod early childhood development — how to take a turn, how to invite play, how to accept that invitation, Hickox said.
    Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • Some of the notable moments of the season included flashes of play where Bethune, Sentnor and Debinha would occupy the same space in the midfield.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Joivi 5-Piece Outdoor Sectional Sofa Bring resort-style relaxation to your outdoor space with this five-piece patio set.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
  • My relaxation space was a wooden bed that alternated between wide slats and screens.
    Christine Sarkis, USA Today, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Then there was silence, followed by sounds of a commotion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • While most of those visitors are coming with good intentions, there’s always the possibility that bad actors will take advantage of the crowds and commotion to cause damage and inflict harm.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • White joked that Cunningham, who missed last week’s win over the Chicago Sky, should have gotten the PRP shot sooner.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer remained confident in the turf at the stadium and joked how World Cup participants don’t get the full experience of the stadium without the glare.
    Cal Phillips June 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Another beachgoer said the seaweed made spending time in the water less enjoyable than usual.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
  • The common thread is finding something sustainable and enjoyable enough to do regularly.
    Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Fury’s personal preference is not known but his delight at returning to America at the weekend points to him being eager to fight there again.
    Chris McKenna, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • But stumbling into a town with a visual landscape that still shows Guedes' thumbprint was a delight.
    Matt Ozug, NPR, 17 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fun

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster