fun 1 of 3

fun

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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
In the video’s caption, Gaga teased that there was more than just a fun dance still to come. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2025 That’s a sad thing for fashion, because fashion is about titillation and should be fun. James Fallon, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
Now keep scrollin’ — the fun’s just getting started! Ronnie Li, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 The result is a mix of fun, strange, and occasionally spooky claims many have heard of, but few know the full background behind. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
Adjective
  • Fletcher and Jolly win audience love here, and Allen’s naked ambition to become sheriff is quite amusing.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This is amusing but understandable; in an era where commodity fetishism has turned analog, low-budget cinema into something aspirational, Jenkin has made no compromises for accessibility.
    Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Its chips can power in-car entertainment systems, for example, and on Monday, the company announced a partnership with Google Cloud that allows automakers to create their own digital assistants.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The 58-acre yard is the epicenter of what the Broncos hope will be a transformative project, anchored by a multi-billion dollar stadium and flanked by an entertainment district designed to host events, draw fans and generate revenue nearly every day of the year.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The game started on a dramatic note when Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected before the first offensive play of the game after spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The stretch play is a really good play for them.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In this state, the nervous system’s fight-or-flight response takes priority, inhibiting relaxation, pleasure and trust, which make for the key ingredients of romantic connection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • For the average person, being massaged in a public space, as part of a competition, might be a relaxation-proof challenge.
    Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But add to the equation local merchants and eateries and the vibes abounded, which is not to say the cause got lost in the commotion.
    Shirley Halperin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
  • All the commotion around them was stifling.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • During an appearance on Today With Jenna & Friends, Cummings, 43, candidly joked about her experience with postpartum depression after welcoming her son Henry back in December 2023, sharing that her struggles even inspired the name of her ongoing Big Baby tour.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Well, enough to joke about his age during a recent visit to officially open the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Slicing against the grain breaks up these fibers into smaller pieces, giving the steak a more tender, enjoyable texture.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Built around an all-in performance by Tedeschi, who repeatedly seems on the brink of going full Nicolas Cage but always pulls back at the last moment, Duse is an enjoyable but somewhat opaque take on an enigmatic Italian legend.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That’s the way Fleur looks at Julian in real life too — adoring and feverishly in love, so when Fleur announces that the pair are getting married over dinner with friends, everyone responds with joy and delight.
    Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Suddenly, and to the great delight of both Anna and her fellow AC, Ryan (John Early), there’s some real juicy drama in the Junction.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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