game 1 of 2

Definition of gamenext
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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
Sweden finished third in Group F, winning its first game by four goals and losing its second by the same margin. Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026 Argentina having one of the game’s greatest strikers ever, depth and a stingy defense is enough to make the squad a good bet to make another deep run. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2026
Adjective
Netherlands The best pre-game party ever is thrown by the Dutch. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026 Nestled between Bank of America Stadium and Truist Field, Graham Street Pub and Patio is in the perfect pre-game location. Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for game
Recent Examples of Synonyms for game
Noun
  • Mbappe, whose eight goals led the tournament four years ago, already has 16 World Cup goals for his career, tied for second all-time.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • This is where the true tournament of the best tournament in the world begins — where the safety nets are officially removed, where every kick is vital, and every blade of grass is earned.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Perhaps with that base-mobilization strategy in mind, the Republican National Committee is planning to hold a first-ever midterm convention this summer.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Building resilience Stephanie Niven, co-portfolio manager of the Global Sustainable Equity strategy at Ninety One, told CNBC on a call on Friday that her team took the view that the rise of intense weather conditions in Europe was creating a structural growth opportunity for investment.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 27 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
  • Antoine de Saint Exupéry wrote that the greatness of a profession is, above all, to unite people.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Many older Black voters remember the same era as one that expanded access to universities, professions, public-sector jobs, homeownership, and political representation.
    Basil Smikle, New York Daily News, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Police are asking people to avoid the area if possible.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 23 June 2026
  • Specifically targeting underserved areas, the parks will be at the San Joaquin River Parkway, Dust Bowl Camp, and Feather River Park in Yuba County.
    Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Both of these sightings were enough to convince me to add the summer-ready bottoms to my own wardrobe (seriously, the pants have been living rent-free in my mind since her initial outfit).
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
  • Mere minutes after Hakimi's goal, Haiti was ready for revenge, with a powerful goal by Wilson Isidor.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The biggest score of the World Cup competition may be happening off the pitch.
    Larry Seward, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • For Iraq, a victory would be its first in World Cup competition while Senegal, a quarterfinalist in 2002, would like to get a win for Sadio Mane, one of Africa’s most iconic players, who may be playing in his final World Cup.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Democrats say the Republican plan would hurt low- and middle-income Georgians, who would end up paying more in taxes.
    David Wickert, AJC.com, 29 June 2026
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/game. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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