game 1 of 2

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as in play
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously there's no need to get upset, all our teasing is only a game

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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game

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun game differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of game are fun, jest, play, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.

made game of their poor relations

When could fun be used to replace game?

While in some cases nearly identical to game, fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

When can jest be used instead of game?

While the synonyms jest and game are close in meaning, jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

When is play a more appropriate choice than game?

The synonyms play and game are sometimes interchangeable, but play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.

pretended to strangle his brother in play

When might sport be a better fit than game?

The meanings of sport and game largely overlap; however, 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 game
Noun
Simpson, arguably the fastest runner in the game, broke on contact for home as the go-ahead run. Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2025 Engelbert will be speaking to members of the media at a press conference ahead of Saturday night’s game, in which she is expected to address the ongoing labor negotiations, along with expansion, TV deals and the overall state of the league. Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 19 July 2025
Adjective
The game will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN, with pre-game coverage beginning before the 8:00 PM ET puck drop. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 The excitement is heightened by additional events, including an annual mascot game at halftime, a pre-game clinic and the Teddy Toss. Nathan Dunn, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for game
Recent Examples of Synonyms for game
Noun
  • The men’s tournament will begin on June 11, 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
    Pete Grathoff July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
  • The president’s attendance at the Club World Cup event comes just a year before the U.S. is set to co-host FIFA’s marquee tournament—the 2026 World Cup—along with Canada and Mexico.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • First, its exercise of power is weakened by its dearth of strategy.
    Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
  • This has become something of a state religion—as much a matter of ideology as of strategy.
    Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Amenities: Free on-site parking, restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, pool and kid’s pool, beach access, dedicated kid’s play area Editor’s tip: Don’t miss the sourdough breads and pastries baked fresh every morning courtesy of the hotel’s new bakery in town, Red Jane.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • In an interview, Missouri State senior associate athletic director Casey Hunt made no bones about the fact that the stunt/A&T twofer was a gender-equity play, noting the relatively low cost and high roster capacity of both sports, especially post-House.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Moreover, his commitment to the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship demonstrates respect for a key tenet of the profession of medicine.
    Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Any profession can corrupt its practitioners — and arts critics are no exception.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • The affiliated Minnesota Disability Law Center has two additional offices in Duluth and Mankato, with an outreach coordinator in the Crookston area.
    Lauren Breunig, Twin Cities, 20 July 2025
  • Friday, July 25 8 p.m. ET: Great White Reign of Terror - In South Africa, two people are killed by great whites near the eastern cape, an area that hasn’t seen an attack in decades.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Here’s a peek at what spooky finds are ready to haunt your home in the cutest way, starting at just $2 and capping out at $25.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • The thing spits out a few summarizing bullet points, and Lance, newly confident, slowly rolls back to his spot at the table, ready to contribute.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Stage 32 is launching a Global Screenwriting Contest Hub, bringing together dozens of writing competitions from around the world into one place including Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying contests.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 July 2025
  • Beginning with five pairs who choose to couple up, the show then sees the islanders through eight weeks of fierce competition as bombshells enter the villa and games are played to see who will leave the villa as the strongest couple.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • In a city where so many big plans have gone so badly for 30 years, San Diego residents shouldn’t just be wary when another bold proposal comes long — they should be terrified.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • But Christos said there’s a plan for subscription pricing in the future.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/game. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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