fun 1 of 3

Definition of funnext

fun

2 of 3

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

3 of 3

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
As for the fun night at the stadium, Damon didn’t get to see any goals, even from futbol’s other GOAT, Cristiano Ronaldo. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 The latter can be operated from your phone—a fun little trick once the sun sets and the conversation gets going. Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026
Noun
Sometimes bonus plays are parlays, double chances, triple chances, and even some fun plays for that particular event. Jeff Hartman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 What unfolds is a unique horror story that is unbelievably entertaining, psychologically torturing and incredibly fun. David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
Adjective
  • Cavill, absent from the proceedings for long stretches, remains a sturdy presence as the most buff screen Sherlock ever, while Helena Bonham Carter is again reliably amusing as Enola and Sherlock’s sardonic mother Eudoria.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026
  • Elmosnino is an amusing villain, making his most self-serving machinations sound reasonable.
    Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Keywords provides tech and creative services for the video game and entertainment industries.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • Sony is one of the most storied technology and entertainment companies in the world with IP spanning across films, tv, music, and games.
    Corbin Bolies, Variety, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The 16-man team will be coached by Lakers assistant coach Ty Abbott and begin summer league play Friday against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • With group play coming to a close and the Round of 32 approaching, the competition is heating up as teams look to punch their tickets to the knockout round in hopes of hoisting the FIFA World Cup Trophy at the final on Sunday, July 19.
    Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Transforming unused outdoor areas creates functional spaces for relaxation and enjoyment.
    Barbara Bellesi Zito, The Spruce, 1 July 2026
  • Pillars of Greek culture, like an open-air cinema and taverna-inspired dining, anchor the experience, which also offers a standalone spa plus fitness center complete with a Finnish sauna and outdoor yoga deck for extra relaxation.
    Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Then about a week later, the son responded to a commotion outside their home and found Spencer hitting his mother in the head with a brick, according to officials.
    CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • Seeing the commotion, Louis and Paul came galloping back.
    Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Stickler may or may not have hinted about the end of the relationship in April, joking about an ex-boyfriend.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • In July 2024, Reynolds joked that he and Lively might not be done having kids, telling E!
    Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • More of us are rediscovering the appeal of doing things the harder (though usually more enjoyable) way.
    Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Choosing snacks that are both healthy and appealing to kids can make snack time easier and more enjoyable.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • One of the artists Olivier interviewed, Xang, rapped at blistering decibels to the delight and confusion of a couple hundred stylish black and brown kids.
    Mano Sundaresan, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026
  • By the time Soto picked the ball up and looked toward the infield, Springer was already around third base to score his Little League home run to the delight of the Rogers Centre crowd.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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