fun 1 of 3

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

3
4

fun

2 of 3

adjective

fun

3 of 3

verb

Try This Instead

For
Try This
fun people
friendly people
cool people
happy people
festive people
fun appetizers
yummy appetizers
delicious appetizers
tasty appetizers
fancy appetizers
creative appetizers
fun neighborhoods
quirky neighborhoods
lively neighborhoods
trendy neighborhoods
charming neighborhoods
cool neighborhoods

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
Noun
Because, even amidst sheer fun and revelry, there is always room for growth. Malana Vantyle, USA Today, 17 May 2025 Stewart palpably delights in the button-pushing frankness of it all, and in exposing so many of the things that women are told to keep hidden (many of them considerably less fun than an orgasm), but her confrontational zeal always runs second to the fluidity of her feeling. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 16 May 2025
Adjective
Don’t be mistaken, the story is still very stupid in a fun way, but the fantasy tone strips some of the comedic edge the more recent games leaned into. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025 And there's definitely some great stuff there, and this is going to be fun to explore together. Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
Noun
  • While some infotainment systems are better than others, many drivers use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto daily to access navigation and entertainment for their drives.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Beyond the lantern release, the festival offers an array of food via food trucks, shopping, and entertainment.
    Edwin Goei, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • But that’s not really what the world premiere play that opened Thursday at the Old Globe is about.
    Pamela Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • There was lots of offensive wizardry to be viewed from Datsyuk, but also video of his staunch defensive play, responsible positioning and masterful stickwork to pickpocket opposing players.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • While China has signaled its willingness to come to the negotiation table with its temporary tariff relaxation, President Xi Jinping is unlikely to concede ground in the long run - particularly when facing a confrontational U.S. administration.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • The combination of the moon’s energy and the therapeutic effects of cannabis can promote relaxation, creativity, and clarity.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Despite the commotion their accidental twinning caused online, Roach — who was filmed cooly reacting to seeing Sawai on the carpet — confirms that the vibes are all good not only between the two stars, but also between himself and Sawai's stylist.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 14 May 2025
  • Many things emboldened me to create this commotion.
    Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Although the result is certainly amusing, the Darth Vader creation has also been spotted making some potentially controversial comments using Jones’ voice.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025
  • The sketch has a great ending stinger and is very amusing throughout.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Porter Township School Corporation Superintendant Stacey Schmidt joked that despite Union Township Bearcats being their arch-rivals, her community did not support a data center being thrust upon them.
    Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • In November, Liam joked on X that Oasis had, in fact, recorded a new album.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The second book takes kids on a global culinary adventure, from slurping noodles in Japan to savoring tagines in Morocco and discovering the delight of gelato in Italy.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The dog's noisy breakthrough has become an unexpected source of joy not just for his family but also for tens of thousands of viewers, many of whom took to the comments to share their delight and humor.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Duffy, a former reality show contestant and four-term congressman, comes to the blame game with dirty hands.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • His three-run home run in the fourth inning gave them the lead, and a two-RBI double in the Cubs’ four-run sixth tied the game.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fun

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!