1
as in to amuse
to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied
disported themselves with silly games while they waited in the airport
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to play
to engage in activity for amusement
a full-service resort where vacationers may disport at a variety of indoor and outdoor activities
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3
as in to cavort
to play and run about happily
the puppies disported in the backyard while we ate on the patio
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4
as in to display
to present so as to invite notice or attention
football fans triumphantly disported the sports memorabilia for which they had just paid extravagant prices
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of disport
Zeman has disported himself as one of Putin’s most outspoken allies inside the European Union, in particular as an opponent of the sanctions imposed on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine in 2014.
—
David Frum, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2017
Today, in the face of widespread public revulsion, some of the marchers discover that being identified disporting themselves has unpleasant consequences.
—John E. McIntyre, baltimoresun.com, 14 Aug. 2017
They’re seen disporting in matching white bathrobes, doing Tai Chi or playing croquet or doing crossword puzzles or playing cards, seemingly living in slow motion on the manicured lawn and marbled patio of an enormous courtyard.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2017
David Frum, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2017
Today, in the face of widespread public revulsion, some of the marchers discover that being identified disporting themselves has unpleasant consequences.
—John E. McIntyre, baltimoresun.com, 14 Aug. 2017
They’re seen disporting in matching white bathrobes, doing Tai Chi or playing croquet or doing crossword puzzles or playing cards, seemingly living in slow motion on the manicured lawn and marbled patio of an enormous courtyard.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disport
Verb
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Scheffler was thoroughly amused and looked to be in good spirits heading into Sunday.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
15 Mar. 2026
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Chinese-speaking netizens were amused by the story, and in particular the absurd display of cops escorting the diminutive android.—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The conception meant that the show would need multiple actors playing Scarpetta, with one as the lead of the series.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Phillips also played a complete season in 2025 after seeing two separate significant injuries end his seasons in 2023 (Achilles) and 2024 (ACL).—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Andy Samberg cavorted on behalf of Hellmann’s mayonnaise, dressed as some sort of off-kilter Neil Diamond wanna-be.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
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Gabriel Martinelli was next on the scene, then Jurrien Timber, who was followed by a jubilant William Saliba, cavorting like a hyperactive toddler.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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California’s deserts are bursting with color as strong wildflower displays sprout across the fields of Southern California.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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During the alleged robbery, a masked man allegedly entered the store, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the store employee, police said.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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There are games galore to keep children entertained, plus a fabulous kid’s den on the top floor of the house with a huge TV and bed-like sofas.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
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The second quarter is where the Pistons stopped entertaining the idea of another scare.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Its alabaster beaches are perfect for shelling, sunset strolls, or spotting dolphins frolicking in the surf, while nearby mangroves and estuaries teem with even more wildlife.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Mar. 2026
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Spring feels like a great time to refresh your wardrobe with lightweight options (hello, TRF Low Rise Bootcut Jeans) to wear while frolicking in the city or elevated options like these Pleated Wide Leg Pants for heading straight to date-night from the office.—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At one point, the twins danced up to their father, cradling the championship trophy between their arms.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
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She’s danced for pop singer Paula Abdul (who’s often credited with dancing getting to the forefront of pop music) actor Dick Van Dyke and reggaeton artist Ozuna.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Air may exhibit more wow factor, and the Pro models have more advanced camera systems, but the iPhone 17 is our Editors' Choice winner and the best iPhone for most people.—
Eric Zeman,
PC Magazine,
9 Mar. 2026
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This show features the largest number of artists ever to exhibit.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Disport.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disport. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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