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
With Chisholm out of the game, the Yankees shifted Oswald Peraza to third base, with DJ LeMahieu filling in at second. Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 25 June 2025 After leading the National League in wins and receiving Cy Young Award votes in 2023, Strider appeared in just two games last season. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 25 June 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
  • Patterson noted the three-on-three basketball tournament at the event drew a lot of interest, something that first-time visitor Sam Rathbun of St. Charles enjoyed Saturday morning.
    David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
  • The team entered the finals on a 26-game winning streak, and outscored its opponents 64-25 in its first eight tournament games.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Their creative vision and cultural insight align seamlessly with our global strategy.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 July 2025
  • Brands must treat identity security as a central pillar of their enterprise strategy, not just a compliance requirement.
    Bojan Šimić, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • During a game against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday, Cunningham started a brawl between the two teams after several physical plays against Clark.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025
  • In addition to his offense, the Marlins got some stellar defensive plays, including two back-to-back in the third inning.
    Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Usher and Tom Brady Two titans in their respective professions, Usher and Brady were photographed near each other at the Gritti Palace Hotel.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • Their professions range from sales representatives to community coaches, and Auckland’s winnings of roughly €4 million ($4.5 million) from the Club World Cup—peanuts to elite clubs—is a fortune for an entity and federation not used to dealing in such sums.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025
  • Two Kansas City suburbs are home to some of the safest drivers in the country, a new report says, while other parts of the area has become substantially more risky to drive in over the last 10 years.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Then as now, rapturous coverage spoke of visionary donors, ingenious architects, and a museum finally ready to give non-Western artistry its due.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Taking a low-risk, high-reward flyer on Ayton would be ideal for a Hornets franchise that seems ready to make a genuine postseason push after consecutive years of rebuilding.
    Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • This sort of multidisciplinary excellence is rare for Olympic competition; athletes are by necessity ultra specialized.
    Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Crystal Palace’s eligibility for that international competition had been complicated by the fact that Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings Group also has a majority stake in the French club Lyon.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Worries about environmental effects have also been at the forefront, as groups such as the Center for Biological Diversity and the Friends of the Everglades filed a lawsuit Friday to halt the detention center plans.
    Makiya Seminera, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • Muon Space plans for the constellation to be able to scan every point on Earth every 20 minutes, with more wildfire prone areas being scanned more frequently.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/game. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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