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
  • Representatives for the Earthquakes declined a request for an interview on further details about the ownership group’s strategy.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2025
  • This daily, quiet grind has a profound impact on our lives… who knows how many more lives would be lost if prevention efforts were not part of the strategy.
    Kelly Juleson, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • While comparing the skulls of common chipmunks and voles found in the Chicagoland area collected over the past 125 years, a team found evidence that these rodents have been adapting to life in an increasingly urban environment.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The Yankees are about to find out if Rice is ready.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • But when the postseason arrived, the Panthers were ready.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Gregg Newton | Afp | Getty Images Amazon’s second batch of Kuiper internet satellites reached low Earth orbit on Monday, adding to its plans for a massive constellation and ramping up competition with SpaceX’s Starlink.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 23 June 2025
  • Compete for Causes, the local group that pairs fitness and fundraising with its charity fitness competitions, recently made a $32,200 contribution to Father Joe’s Villages.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Managers were taught to plan — but in a world defined by constant change, plans change.
    Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 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 2 Jul. 2025.

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