game

Definition of gamenext

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 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 The Swiss squad did a lap of honor and some players completed post-game interviews before the broadcast noted the teams had been summoned by Norwegian referee Rohit Saggi and told to prepare to go back on the field and complete the 90 minutes. ABC News, 31 May 2026 The Realest Technically, the recent sequence involved a high-profile opponent simply performing his pre-game ritual. Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for game
Recent Examples of Synonyms for game
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
Adjective
  • The question is, why does Amanda believe it, or rather, why is West willing to be with Amanda over those other people?
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 June 2026
  • For those willing to coordinate logistics in advance, the payoff is a front-row view of sporting traditions that predate most modern nations.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Rinker, whose last few years have been filled with loss, is just glad to be home.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • Andrew coach Dave DeHaan is certainly glad for that.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/game. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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