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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
Gianvito Rossi put on a cool, fun cocktail party to present its new collection of joyful shoes that reimagined some of its most iconic styles, as the brand celebrates 20 years. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 Hilton came and went, but the internet had discovered how fun gossip could be without the tabloids. — Lindsey Weber, Vanity Fair, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
Finally, grab 23% off the colorful Amazon Echo Glow night light to add fun, versatile ambient lighting to your bedroom. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026 The SuperVinoBros, who post fun, peppy videos about their drinking adventures, are determined to change that. — Arthur Holland Michel, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
Adjective
  • Affleck had a particularly amusing — and maybe slightly awkward — anecdote to share when asked about seeking directorial advice from the British Oscar winner.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
  • That might have been an amusing legal omission when the question was theoretical.
    — Jonathan Flora OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Malkin says that her team has worked with him on 3D entertainment, something that the VR device is optimized for (Cameron recently acquired a company that intends to adapt studio library content to 3D).
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Mirror Mix was executive produced by Michelle Bell, founder of Geo Massive and a brand partnerships and entertainment executive.
    — Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Florida State finished the game with a 417-248 advantage in yardage on 25 fewer plays.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • After both offenses stalled on their first drives, the Bulldogs scored in three plays, ending with a 43-yard touchdown bomb to Sanfrisco Magee.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • While reconnecting with her mother who was going through chemotherapy in the winter of 2024, Tati Varjao took her, and other family members who had traveled from Texas, to Sea Love, a candle making shop in Naperville for a day of relaxation.
    — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Melatonin has more evidence for sleep timing, while L-theanine supports relaxation without causing sedation.
    — T'Keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Robin’s younger sister Riverley heard the commotion and ran for help.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
  • In the meantime, there’s a lot of unwieldy comic commotion involving a missing corpse, a tweaking, naked Dwight and enough insipid TV sibling bickering to clog the airwaves for a decade.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • When Jost — who was co-hosting a one-night-only comedy show on the ferry with Davidson in collaboration with Snapple — was asked what Johansson, 41, thinks about the ongoing project, Jost joked that her involvement has its limits.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Swifties quickly took notice of the picture, with some joking about her decision to delay releasing her actual wedding photos.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The experience was surprisingly enjoyable, giving me an easy way to discover new music by tapping into live radio.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Not every enjoyable moment needs to prove its long-term potential.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The senior receiver made a game-winning, one-handed catch on fourth-and-goal for the Eagles in the closing seconds — and much to the delight of senior quarterback Sean Ruisz.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Cranston leaned into the theatrics, drilling into the bone to the delight of onlookers.
    — Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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