1
as in rivalries
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
I'm still in this ball game, so don't count me out yet
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ball games
At least not as long as the Knicks are winning ball games.
—
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026
From sports and ball games to jewelry-making and creative workshops, there is something to delight every child.
—Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025
Under the old policy, alcohol sales were still prohibited during Burleson Youth Association ball games or practices.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Nov. 2025
After approval from church leadership, chairwoman Lisa Stocco infused the event with more than 20 Gophers football players serving as guest pitchers and coaches for the event’s centerpiece whiffle ball games.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 23 Oct. 2025
There have been 74 pitchers who have started at least 440 ball games since 1920, and Kershaw is the only one who hasn’t surpassed triple-digit losses according to Baseball-Reference.
—Wayne G. McDonnell, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
To start, there are no bicycles or ball games, no mirrors larger than the palm of one’s hand, and almost no personal property.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026
From sports and ball games to jewelry-making and creative workshops, there is something to delight every child.
—Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025
Under the old policy, alcohol sales were still prohibited during Burleson Youth Association ball games or practices.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Nov. 2025
After approval from church leadership, chairwoman Lisa Stocco infused the event with more than 20 Gophers football players serving as guest pitchers and coaches for the event’s centerpiece whiffle ball games.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 23 Oct. 2025
There have been 74 pitchers who have started at least 440 ball games since 1920, and Kershaw is the only one who hasn’t surpassed triple-digit losses according to Baseball-Reference.
—Wayne G. McDonnell, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
To start, there are no bicycles or ball games, no mirrors larger than the palm of one’s hand, and almost no personal property.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ball games
Noun
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With the renewal secured, viewers can look forward to more high-stakes deals, intense rivalries, complicated relationships that have made the show such a standout.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Watch the All Elite Wrestling show with diverse male and female wrestlers and epic rivalries.—
Hema Sivanandam,
Mercury News,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In situations of more extreme mental health issues, teens may not have the tools to navigate difficult feelings and instead, repress and compartmentalize their feelings as a way to cope.—
Staff Author,
Parents,
9 Mar. 2026
-
These cuts contribute to deeper poverty, more crowded living situations and poor sanitation that create an ideal environment for the world’s deadliest disease, the Stanford researcher said.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Comfort battles formality fighting to break free.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
For example, one recent night, the room between Cardboard Corner Café and TableTop was set up for Warhammer, where enthusiasts collect, build, and paint miniatures, and fight strategic tabletop battles.—
Debra Skodack,
Kansas City Star,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In one light, the A’s deals are just four individual processes that finished around the same time.—
Evan Drellich,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Increasingly, Fuentes is in conversation with the class of comedians and podcasters, including Shane Gillis and Theo Von, who broke through establishment doors with Netflix and Spotify deals.—
Dan Adler,
Vanity Fair,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The final season focuses on Claire and Jamie’s struggles during the Revolutionary War, with the war having followed them home.—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The struggles with your in-laws, the struggles with the sister-in-law.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The spokesperson also responded with names and pictures of several men from Los Angeles who have been taken into custody by ICE and convicted of serious crimes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
His Instagram account showed pictures of snowy backdrops and time spent with family and friends.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Today, Rodeo Austin blends traditional livestock shows and rodeo competitions with concerts, food and family attractions.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Mar. 2026
-
This time, they — like the Olympics — will be scattered across northern Italy, with competitions clustered in Milan, Cortina D'Ampezzo and Val di Fiemme.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Since January 6, among midfielders at the six clubs featured in this piece, only Forest’s Elliot Anderson ranks ahead of him for successful passes, passes into the final third, touches and duels won.—
Sukhman Singh,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2026
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Physical, mobile defender who excels in 1v1 duels and recovery defending.—
Abraham Nudelstejer,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ball games.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ball%20games. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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