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

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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
Enjoy fun outings, activities with kids, sports events and the arts. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 1 June 2026 Shortly after, Venus will dazzle its way into Leo and your sixth house of due diligence, bringing harmony and charm to your wellness routine and daily life, which is always fun. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Noun
Tap in your last putt on a fun and playable nine and then savor your favorite brew fresh from the tap. Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 4 June 2026 Teaching kids to think critically and have fun offline will be far better skills to encode in their brains for the rest of their lives than scrolling. CNN Money, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
Adjective
  • The meta-ness of mentioning Sebold’s novel is amusing for those who recognize that connection.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 3 June 2026
  • Fairies and gods and shipwrecks all conspire to put our players in the most exigent but also the most amusing circumstances.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.
    Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026
  • One year after Saratoga Nights was introduced to revitalize downtown foot traffic, its organizers are evaluating how to make the event series better this year with more food offerings and more diverse entertainment.
    Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • But despite this, experts say the lack of AI play is not the main reason why global investors are exiting India.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • The fan came from the sideline opposite the team benches, starting from behind the play and running into San Antonio’s offensive end.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • The spa With 11 treatment rooms, including a couples’ area, and men’s and women’s relaxation areas with hydrotherapy areas, the spa is a substantial amenity.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • Make waves at this pool party featuring relaxation, dancing, an extensive lineup of drag and burlesque performances and beats by Mothership Connection.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Winnetka’s Village Council put an end to the latest commotion over its lakefront by opposing a project that would build chain-link fencing for dogs on Centennial Beach.
    Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
  • Those seated in the gunner or engineer positions will also be treated to additional clips of Grogu via their adjacent flight panels, the young alien here portrayed as something of a playful pet of a child who is exaggeratedly chill during the commotion.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • Kimmel joked on his June 2 show, referring to the wave of artists dropping out of the Great American State Fair.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 3 June 2026
  • Now, there is hard, physical proof of our years of collaboration—not a third child, as some have joked, but not not some kind of offspring.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • This doesn't mean disruption is enjoyable or easy.
    Kathy Caprino, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • The conversation with Graciela was enjoyable, fluent, sometimes very emotional.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • These delights have been a favorite of holiday parties for decades.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 June 2026
  • Padres left fielder Jase Bowen, a 2019 11th-round draft pick out of high school by the Pirates, got his first career hit in the seventh on a single to the delight of his friends and family.
    CBS News, CBS News, 3 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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