fun 1 of 3

Definition of funnext

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 second annual event last Saturday built on the success, drawing a fun crowd of about 150 people who got into the groove at SARC’s South San Jose headquarters. Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 23 June 2026 Colombia is the clear favorite, but both teams were fun to watch last time out. Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Noun
For a fun, unexpected summer nail look, opt for bright shades of green polish. Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 18 June 2026 Long bangs, which brushed the tops of her oversized black glasses, added more bounce and fun to the overall hairstyle. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
Adjective
  • The closest the visually drab movie comes to excitement is the introduction of an amusing if underused Jason Momoa as Lobo, an immortal bounty hunter who looks like a heavy-metal god (or maybe a lost member of Kiss), chomping on a fat cigar and roaring around on his flying motorcycle.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026
  • Mighty Real includes an amusing anecdote about trying to finagle an interview with New Order’s Bernard Sumner in the early ’80s when bassist Peter Hook busts in and shows you his uncut willie.
    Alfred Soto, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Keywords provides tech and creative services for the video game and entertainment industries.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • Sony is one of the most storied technology and entertainment companies in the world with IP spanning across films, tv, music, and games.
    Corbin Bolies, Variety, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • In 2022, Renard coached Saudi Arabia, which pulled off one of the greatest World Cup upsets by defeating Argentina in group play.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026
  • There’s a lot of hard work that goes into being a shopping writer, but there’s a lot of play, too.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Emerging neuroscience suggests that silence does more than create relaxation.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Phil Schiller As for what's next, Schiller says some rest and relaxation.
    Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • By this time, multiple police officers had arrived on the scene, according to a convenience store clerk who witnessed the commotion outside.
    Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • Seeing the commotion, Louis and Paul came galloping back.
    Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Stickler may or may not have hinted about the end of the relationship in April, joking about an ex-boyfriend.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • In July 2024, Reynolds joked that he and Lively might not be done having kids, telling E!
    Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • That has prompted accusations by some fans that the organizer is prioritizing profits over creating an enjoyable and accessible experience for people from all over the world.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
  • Exercise and training is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects for many around the globe.
    David Hoffman, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Creamy, saucy, cheesy, and hearty, this recipe is a true delight.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 June 2026
  • And Pizza Hut added Detroit-style pizza to its menu as a limited edition in early 2021, much to the delight of some customers.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 23 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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