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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Despite long-standing rivalries among senior Iranian politicians — many of whom hold powerful political positions and control significant economic resources — these factions quickly set aside their differences and pledged loyalty to him.—
Pegah Banihashemi,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
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So many of these issues are driven by issues of governance, economic competition, and various regional rivalries, which sometimes play out through proxy groups.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
11 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
-
Just days before Kpop Demon Hunters is expected to be golden at the Oscars, Netflix has closed deals for directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans to return for the sequel as part of a new, multi-year writing and directing pact.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Trump has argued tariffs are crucial to the country for government funding and threatening to impose them as a way to pressure countries to reach trade deals and companies to manufacture their products in the United States.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In a briefing with reporters earlier, a Meta legal spokesperson said the company didn't believe that youth mental health struggles, both broadly and with Kaley specifically, could be solved through litigation.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
-
While the film’s production struggles have come under scrutiny, the trailer gives a taster of the Saudi Arabia’s stunning backdrops as well as its cinema ambitions.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While beautiful at first, once all of the Instagram pictures were taken, the open-air space started to get old for me.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
-
In the other, a 9-year-old Khimberly held drawings and pictures for a school project.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Today, Rodeo Austin blends traditional livestock shows and rodeo competitions with concerts, food and family attractions.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Mar. 2026
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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 14 Mar. 2026.
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