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

Relevance

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

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

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
And fighting and stuff, which is fun for me and a surprise for me. —Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 14 Apr. 2026 Or this and that, and so just to have something super accessible and convenient for my fans is really fun. —Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
That’s right, fun designs aren’t just for long talons. —Georgia Day, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2026 Deep brown/greens have been a fun swap out for black siding. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 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
  • All were intended to be amusing.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
  • That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Definition of amusing
Noun
  • South Downtown launches Atlanta's first open container district, transforming the city's approach to downtown entertainment.
    — Monique John, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Silver Nova may well attract a more youthful crowd than other Silversea ships, with its larger size, high-tech design, multiple alluring bars and lounges (including a large pool bar), bigger fitness center, relaxed dress code (primarily elegant casual), and more vibrant entertainment.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • Everything from fire danger and snow to a hard freeze is in play between now and the weekend.
    — Dave Aguilera, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • And because play wasn’t stopped immediately, and there was no whistle on the play, the window to review the play was closed.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of play
Noun
  • Evrima's spa is a must-do thanks to its sprawling relaxation deck perfect for a post-treatment nap or hot tub soak with a fresh juice or champagne in hand—all while the picturesque shoreline goes by (Monaco was in view on my particular visit to the spa deck).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The aquarium is part of a wellness area comprising a hammam, sauna, massage room, cryotherapy, and a relaxation area with an opening terrace.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of relaxation
Noun
  • This decision to stop progress on Be Fri came in late 2023, months after Toy Story prequel movie Lightyear was a box office misfire in light of right-wing pundits causing commotion over its same-gender kiss.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The high-gloss finish of each nail also deserves some commotion.
    — Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026
Definition of commotion
Verb
  • Since the film has such a robust call sheet, Nolan joked there were too many A-listers to bring to CinemaCon.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Former FedEx driver Tanner Horner apologized to Athena Strand’s family for killing their daughter, but also joked with his grandmother about selling his story for $1 million, according to evidence presented Monday during Horner’s capital murder trial in Fort Worth.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2026
Definition of joke
Adjective
  • Big Tech lawsuits, such as the one coming out of California, shift blame away from guardians to tech companies who are simply making their products maximally enjoyable.
    — Maggie Anders, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
  • But there is something enjoyable — again, exciting — about this kind of showing off.
    — Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Definition of enjoyable
Noun
  • Their delight can motivate you to keep doing the things that bring your heart happiness.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Her 9-year-old son, Matthew, helped his mom out by declaring that Maroon 5 is his favorite band, to Levine's delight.
    — KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of delight

Phrases Containing fun

Browse Nearby Words

fuming
fun
fun and games
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on fun

Nglish: Translation of fun for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of postulate

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we say 'make a beeline'?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

The Longest Long Words List

The Opposite of Déjà Vu
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
union jack speech bubble
The Great British Vocabulary Quiz Make sure you know the difference between a loo a...
See All