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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Start strong with its signature amuse bouche, an oyster—perhaps from St. Vaast or Oléron, depending on the season—served with a spicy margarita shot.—
Eleanor Aldridge,
AFAR Media,
30 May 2025
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Reactions online ranged from shocked to amused, with some commenters poking fun at Will’s scream.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Sarah Snook, who played Shiv Roy on that HBO drama, was nominated (and went on to win!), following in the footsteps of her costars Jeremy Strong and Keiran Culkin.—
Melissa Locker,
Time,
9 June 2025
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The band then went on to play its way through the rest of the Village, cranking out cartoon theme song medleys between the sets as mostly white kids thrashed in the crowd.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
8 June 2025
Verb
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In addition to a bounty of vegetables, fruits, flowers and interactive learning activities, there to meet them were cavorting goats, buzzing bees, beneficial garden creatures such as pill bugs and worms, and Howie the miniature Scottish Highland Cross steer who loves attention and animal crackers.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 May 2025
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Similar fears haunted Europeans and British Americans during the early modern period; one need only consult the witchcraft paintings of Francisco Goya, which show covens of half-naked women killing babies, eating people, and cavorting with the Devil.—
Manvir Singh,
New Yorker,
17 May 2025
Verb
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They were punished with another partial stadium closure in April after displaying banners insulting ex-PSG player Rabiot during a game against Marseille.—
Tomás Hill López-Menchero,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
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The 2023 Chianti Classico displayed beautiful freshness and elegance, offering pure fruit and immediate charm. Querciabella (Greve, Radda, Gaiole) – With organic and biodynamic vineyards across multiple UGAs, Querciabella champions purity and transparency in every bottle.—
Jessica Dupuy,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Verb
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Local entertainers, from hip-hop artists to visual artists, entertained the crowd for four hours, showing off their talents.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
6 June 2025
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The day of 19th-century-style outdoor recreation will feature a variety of traditional lawn games that once entertained early Californians, such as wheelbarrow races, sack races and tug-of-war.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Verb
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At the Christmas party, all the gals (minus Taylor) are frolicking around in their best black-tie-optional, cheers-ing to another year of surviving MomTok, and eating meatballs.—
Olivia Crandall,
Vulture,
21 May 2025
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Nearly a hundred shiny black calves are frolicking in the pastures, including twin bulls (birthweight of 72 pounds each) whose mother is completely unruffled by this unusual occurrence and its maternal responsibilities.—
Susan Koch,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2025
Verb
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As the track blasted, Parker occasionally clapped along and danced in place.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
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The 11 Best Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Weekend John Wick killed so Ballerina could dance (and kill).—
Mike Flanagan,
Vulture,
6 June 2025
Verb
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In Massachusetts, specialists work with hospitals to identify young patients exhibiting disturbing behavior.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
31 May 2025
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Planets, moons and stars all exhibit lovely spherical shapes.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Disport.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disport. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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