fun 1 of 3

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
The Cut re-launched a fun literary letter last October. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025 Kelly Killoren Bensimon and 2025 CineHealth Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Selma Blair have some fun backstage at the 2025 CineHealth International Film and Video Festival. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
One fun link to the past has emerged recently. Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025 While beach vacations can offer unique ocean experiences and vibrant social scenes, lakeside locations often provide a more cost-effective way to enjoy family-friendly fun and relaxation within a set budget. Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
Adjective
  • Hacking a pre-Internet console Making this amusing amalgam of past and present technology possible required some clever engineering.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • DeMarco was also entetaining with his amusing banter in between songs while encouraging his New York fans to clap and wave their arms.
    David Chiu, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The move, prompted by backlash from affiliate owners and FCC pressure, has sparked outrage across the entertainment industry.
    Amanda Castro Shane Croucher Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • In 2020, however, Biglari’s criticism of Cracker Barrel was reignited after the company’s $133 million investment in Punch Bowl Social, a bar and entertainment concept, in 2019, failed during the pandemic.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That’s not to mention all of the other related businesses that have thrived on semiconductor plays as AI-specific GPUs and other tools emerge.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Pittman is referring to the 6-4 left-hander Austin Simmons, who suffered a left ankle injury in the fourth quarter of Ole Miss’ 30-23 win last week at Kentucky to open league play.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Krylon has chosen Matte Coffee Bean, an earthy brown that the company says signals relaxation and wellness.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Given that this is south Florida, there’s a heavy focus on wellness and relaxation, with many of the amenities playing to those who care deeply about their health and fitness.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The commotion has come as a surprise to Cooke, who didn’t foresee her role as such a divisive one.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The child’s father had arrived home shortly before the incident occurred and heard a commotion in the bedroom, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by KSAT.
    TJ Macias, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Coon also joked that with so much time adapting the elaborate costumes, her daughter, born in the summer of 2021, thought that her mom's on-set dresser, Brian, was her father.
    Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
  • My wife jokes about the cat having foiled our murder plot yet again.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His commercials have graced Southwest Ohio TVs over the last two decades and inspired Reddit posts, Halloween costumes and even a surprisingly enjoyable lo-fi musical remix on YouTube.
    Otto Rabe, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The best and most enjoyable habit to maintain a healthy, thriving garden is a daily garden walk.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Chef Anand Singh, formerly of Arbol at the Five-Star Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, guides diners through Indian cooking techniques with dishes that surprise and delight.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Barbecue fans can now sample these stylish delights 50% more often, for as of Labor Day weekend Barbs accomplished a long-time goal and is now open on Fridays as well as Saturdays and Sundays.
    Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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