fun 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of funnext
as in amusing
providing amusement or enjoyment there were so many fun things to do at summer camp that the kids really hated to leave

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fun

2 of 3

noun

ˈfən How to pronounce fun (audio)
1
as in entertainment
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment theme parks with their rides, shows, and games are great fun for the whole family

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
3
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself came outside to where we were playing touch football and joined the fun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity the fun really began when the deer broke out of its pen and started wandering down the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fun

3 of 3

verb

as in to joke
to make jokes just a couple of old friends funning with each other

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The Bonds story is fun, but the lack of pitching in the Giants’ organization is closer to existential. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 12 July 2026 In the hyper-online world of Heated Rivalry and Challengers, fantasizing about hot athletes being a little (or very) gay has never been more fun and communal. — Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026
Noun
The third episode goes back to High School Musical with Monique Coleman and KayCee Stroh, a fun trip down memory lane after earlier this year, when the cast celebrated 20 years since the film’s release. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026 The food, the giveaways, the fireworks and the halftime show all add up, and plenty of the fun happens outside the game itself. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
  1. amusing
  2. entertainment
  3. play
  4. relaxation
  5. commotion
  6. joke
  7. enjoyable
  8. delight
Adjective
  • Ritter, three separate times, called out the Legacy Lounge — which might not have been amusing to those who paid $225 for what was a free concert to everyone else.
    — Sophie Lindberg July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Christopher Nolan discussed the writing process for his upcoming epic The Odyssey during a new interview with BBC News, and shared an amusing anecdote about his son being unimpressed with the filmmaker’s various accolades.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026
Definition of amusing
Noun
  • Photo courtesy of Easterseals For more than 40 years, the Media Access Awards has been one of the entertainment industry’s few dedicated platforms for recognizing disability representation on screen.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • In an era of entertainment increasingly dependent on franchises, Christopher Nolan has turned his name into one of them.
    — Gene Park, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • Those people, granted anonymity to speak candidly about the state of play, remain bullish that Paramount will prevail in the end.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Providing chew toys for cats along with food puzzles and rotating play options can help channel that energy.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of play
Noun
  • The adjacent pool area is a dream for young kids—and any parent wanting a few minutes of worry-free relaxation on one of the deck chairs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • Baby yoga and reflexology sessions encourage relaxation and parent-child bonding.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 14 July 2026
Definition of relaxation
Noun
  • Another trip to Uptown on May 20-21, 1977, causing police to shut Lawrence Avenue down in both directions due to such commotion outside the Aragon Ballroom entrance.
    — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • Hassan was livid on the touchline and was seen making a cross gesture with his arms during all the commotion, a symbol introduced by FIFA for managers to alert the referees of a racist incident.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Definition of commotion
Verb
  • According to her statement, Jake was opening a new pack of football cards and joking with his grandmother when Walter's vehicle struck theirs.
    — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • Trying to Open Taxi Doors People often joke about Japan living in the future.
    — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
Definition of joke
Adjective
  • Unlike isolated gym exercises, soccer naturally integrates these elements in a dynamic and enjoyable environment.
    — Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
  • Starting fit significantly reduces injury risk and makes the whole trip more enjoyable.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
Definition of enjoyable
Noun
  • Mornings begin with a gentle workout followed by workshops on topics like breath work and meditation, while afternoons are busy with winery tours, cooking classes, horseback riding, and other cultural delights.
    — Katie Camero, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • In another especially science-fictiony case, ticks’ very saliva can spark a severe allergy to such delights as ice cream and hamburgers.
    — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of delight

Phrases Containing fun

Browse Nearby Words

fuming
fun
fun and games
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Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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