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Definition of funnext
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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
Definitely one of those rare pairs that are both fun and practical! Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 20 July 2026 For a fun pair of statement pants, look no further than these baggy striped bottoms. Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026
Noun
And shooting the wrestling stuff on Margo was two days of incredibly concentrated fun with our great director, Dearbhla Walsh. Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 21 July 2026 Growing cucamelons is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy a unique fruit that tastes like cucumber with a hint of lime. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
Adjective
  • The wonky physics can't be too wonky, because janky controls can go from amusing to annoying pretty quickly.
    Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026
  • There’s also plenty of family time captured, including an amusing bye week trip to Manhattan — complete with a subway trip — to watch two of Emily’s brothers run the New York Marathon.
    John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
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
Noun
  • The footage suggests that the brutal body slamming may be in service of a meal — or perhaps a form of play for the orcas, researchers reported Thursday in the journal Frontiers in Ethology.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • On the contrary, Atlanta United, which started play in 2017, got the All-Star Game in its second year after smashing several attendance records.
    Kamran Nia July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • The brand focuses on adaptogens and nootropics designed around mood, relaxation and social connection, with a botanical, wellness-forward flavor profile.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 22, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • The two-story location hosts five treatment rooms, including one double; a relaxation lounge, and boutique carrying Dior perfumes, skin care and makeup.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • Delhi Police said Wangchuk was taken to hospital after his health worsened during the hunger strike, and that a brief commotion occurred when some protesters tried to block the move.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • The commotion was so loud that Netanyahu left the chamber, sitting out the vote entirely.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Not anymore, the host joked, before popping open a bottle in the rain.
    Kyle Lucia Wu, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
  • Earlier on Thursday, the Spider-Man star joked that Zendaya’s character in the film, Greek goddess of wisdom and war Athena, could not possibly love Odysseus (Matt Damon), her onscreen love interest.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • The garden's pond reflects the lovely surrounding scenery, and the harmonious beauty is enjoyable with every step and across the changing seasons.
    Hiroshige Yazawa Japan News, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026
  • Furniture stains and splotches are the last thing anyone wants to think about when curating the perfect domestic space, but there’s nothing remotely enjoyable about discolored blobs on furniture.
    Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Oskar’s artistic selections over his tenure have brought undeniable delight to audiences of all ages.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 July 2026
  • Offering a balance of tang, savoriness and effervescence that is sure to surprise and delight.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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