game 1 of 2

Definition of gamenext
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2
3
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

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
UConn came into the game as a slight underdog despite having beaten the Illini by 13 points at Madison Square Garden back in November. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026 Freshman Keaton Wagler had 20 points and eight rebounds to lead the Illini (28-9), who reached their first Final Four since losing the championship game to North Carolina in 2005. CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Perhaps Banchero summed up who’s at fault for the loss best when he was asked about Mosley’s post-game comments. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026 That expansion came directly from watching players socialize in pre-game lobbies. MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for game
Recent Examples of Synonyms for game
Noun
  • Caught in this scenario is his sport that still needs him, busted parts and all, but would love nothing more than for the focus to be on the great players who are playing its most famous tournament.
    Mac Engel April 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026
  • This year, practice-round tickets went for $125 and $150, individual tournament rounds cost $160 and four-day tournament badges were $525.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Between them, Braque and Picasso had formulated appropriative strategies that would be used over the ensuing decades.
    Howard Halle, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Jules Borkent, executive vice president of global commercial partnerships and operations, will continue to oversee Nickelodeon Kids & Family’s business and strategy, working in partnership with Alec and other key stakeholders to maximize the Nick brand.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Oilers scored on all three power-play chances in the best performance for that unit since Leon Draisaitl went down with a lower-body injury on March 15 after scoring with the man advantage early in that game.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The win pulled the Magic (44-36) up to seventh place in the tight race for playoff/play-in positions.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In Florida’s complex and frustrating health care environment, a profession has cropped up of people who work independently on behalf of clients to coordinate their medical care.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said Bardisa’s actions put patients at risk and undermined trust in the medical profession.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • By day, spot people moving between the beach, pools, and dining areas, as well as families heading toward the water park.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The San Jose Police Department said a sergeant was patrolling the area at the time and heard the collision.
    Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Plants are shipped in their pots, ready to grow.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Homeowners should start with bait and traps before moving on to pesticides — preferably ready-to-use ones that don’t require mixing chemicals, the agency said.
    Hali Smith April 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But neither is an experienced starter so general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley will almost certainly seek training camp competition for each role.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The drama was announced as having been selected for Cannes’ main competition at the festival’s traditional press conference in Paris on Thursday.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But later that month, after several employees talked about quitting, the plan was abandoned.
    Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Sketch a plan for practice, then show up even if motivation wobbles.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/game. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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