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
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more! Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 7 June 2026 What happens once the game starts is for the fan, though. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
Adjective
Towns, a seemingly very nice guy who can’t help but betray his emotional fluctuations, sometimes showed up to his post-game pressers in a foul mood, speaking cryptically about his discomfort within the new scheme. Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 2026 Another Santa Clara University team, Little Saigon, presented a plan to make heritage nights at SAP Center and other arenas a more culturally immersive experience for fans, including more partnerships with local food vendors, pre-game activities like night markets. Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for game
Recent Examples of Synonyms for game
Noun
  • In Seattle, Nordstrom will support Summer of Sports at Westlake Park – a free, open-to-the-public outdoor viewing destination with a Nordstrom VIP area, marquee matchups and food and drink, including watch parties on each of the tournament’s six Seattle match dates.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
  • The risk is not theoretical The dangers of hot, humid weather are not new to professional soccer players and tournament organizers, though the risks are getting more pronounced as the planet warms.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • No matter the motivation or trading strategy, going short is a bet that a stock will decline in price.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 29 May 2026
  • In general, Stearns’ strategy is a wise one.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • But despite this, experts say the lack of AI play is not the main reason why global investors are exiting India.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • The fan came from the sideline opposite the team benches, starting from behind the play and running into San Antonio’s offensive end.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • The group brought together different professions, generations, styles, and geographic origins.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 June 2026
  • After a while, though, all the professions of sincerity and thanks, the constant invocations of the one true POTUS, and the worshipful exhibits upstairs give the whole place a cultish, nostalgic gleam.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • There's much more, but this is a taster of how much money and time the partnership divert back into the area.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Onsite voting for the June 2 California Primary is underway, however at least one voting station is being used as an emergency shelter and some ballot drop boxes in the Southland are closed in the immediate area.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • Those at the bar seemed interested in their drinks, while those at the tables seemed more keen on each other—or when their table at Daroco would be ready.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • And as the summer heats up, boat traffic increases and the Coast Guard said its always ready.
    Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • What’s more, golf is a sport famed for its adherence to tradition, and not all technological advances are permissible in competitions.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 5 June 2026
  • And the second American director in competition, Ira Sachs, also upheld his standing.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Its completion is a testament to the efforts of the countless designers and architects who had to decipher plans for the church that were largely destroyed in the 1930s.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
  • Strikes come amid Israel's military campaign in Lebanon Israel's strike in the Beirut area was the first attack since the United States brokered a truce plan for Lebanon last week.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/game. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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