fun 1 of 3

fun

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noun

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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
Attach small white cupcake liners to larger pattern liners to create a fun paper turkey. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2025 Over the years, Spotify Wrapped has become a cultural phenomenon and a fun way for users to share what songs and artists have been their favorite during the year. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
For a fun twist, stir in diced jalapeños, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions before baking. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025 Why not use those skills for a fun novel? James Folta, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
Adjective
  • Riccoboni doesn’t take himself too seriously, admitting that his science-fiction picture book serves up otherworldly tales that some might find only mildly amusing.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The film tells a quietly amusing story that offers a more-than-realistic dive into one of the most iconic and thoughtful young men in world history – a man who essentially invented modern angst long before the internet existed.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some are made for entertainment or education, while others focus on emotional support or companionship.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Headquartered in London, Longwave will focus on factual content for the global TV market across all unscripted genres – from investigative series, factual entertainment formats through to human interest stories.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The obvious play here would be to fade the team that just traded away its two best defensive players.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Country is second at 22%, though its dominance of Frontline-eligible songs remains, accounting for 41% of plays, followed by pop (19%), rap (14%) and rock (12%).
    Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • For visitors seeking rest and relaxation, spend an afternoon at Roosevelt Baths & Spa, a hydrotherapy spa that uses mineral water from the nearby springs to provide guests with innovative wellness treatments.
    Cat Sposato, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Residents or guests who are more excited about rest and relaxation won’t be disappointed either.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • But these aren’t the only cups causing a commotion.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Actual Vancouverites barely stood by to watch the commotion.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Since posting, Astra’s story has attracted thousands of amused comments, with many followers joking about the dramatic difference between the two breeds.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The victim told police that Ising had constantly harassed him at work for two years, sitting next to him during meals and joking about his inability to eat many foods because of his medical condition.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This could make eating more enjoyable, leading to eating more.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Taking pictures can actually make an experience more enjoyable and more lasting.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This savory dish is a cheesy delight on the Thanksgiving table.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Boar's Head Sweet Slice Boneless Ham, sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole, marshmallow delight.
    Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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