fun 1 of 3

fun

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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

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fun

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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
Find all the fun character how-tos on the Crafty Morning blog. Ellen Sturm Niz, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025 Stevens portrays temperamental Birham, who, much like his father Laban, prefers fun over tending the flock. Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
Boring is out, and group-friendly fun—with delicious dinner included—is in. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025 Dating back to the the 1800s, the historic railroad is a fun, endearing way to explore the mountains—and a quintessential slice of Americana—all at one time. Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
Adjective
  • If the future of the internet looks like a constant stream of amusing videos generated by artificial intelligence, then OpenAI just placed its stake in an emerging market.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The latter character ushers in a stiff but amusing Mark Cuban cameo.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In Monica Hooper is an award-winning features writer specializing in entertainment news for Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Oct. 2025
  • There’s also a covered front porch and second-story deck that can seat several people for outdoor entertainment.
    Katrina Cossey, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Irish had chunk plays in both the run and pass games.
    Matt Hayes, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Now, a key question is which specific companies will prove to be a smart play, or a bust, for their investors.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And don’t miss out on the under-$25 Qevooon Camping Hammock for relaxation anywhere.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
  • This amino acid is thought to support relaxation and brain health.
    Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There’s a huge commotion around us.
    Eli Sharabi, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The K-pop contingent caused a commotion, with Blackpink’s Lisa snapping pics with Stray Kids’ Felix.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Of course, TikTok viewers couldn’t resist joking about Bentley and Prada’s setup.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Munich airport was shut down this morning due to unauthorized drones in its airspace, and Putin joked about it in Sochi.
    Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The day after his victory, Gurgel’s wife called Kerr and invited him over for lunch, and although Kerr worried he might get jumped, instead the two fighters had an enjoyable meal and chat.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Upgrading to a fresh board, especially wood, makes prep safer and much more enjoyable.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Our commerce writer Julia Harrison writes that her Moccamaster One Cup is a delight, principally because of its simplicity as a drip coffee maker—free of extraneous frothers or digital interfaces or timers.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
  • To my relief and delight, the firearm had not exploded in my face, maiming me for life.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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