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
After the game, Powell, 36, and Shane both took to Instagram to share highlights from their day. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025 But rather than appreciating the extra game, a number of fans have balked at the additional football. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
That cost also includes a post-game shuttle, directly to Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale or Brickell Avenue in Miami. Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 Any pre-game straight bet, parlay, same game parlay or same game parlay+ will qualify for this contest. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for game
Recent Examples of Synonyms for game
Noun
  • Eighteen nations are already guaranteed a spot in the tournament next June and July, meaning there are 30 (yes, 30) still to be decided.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • In 1997, the Shelby School won the Super Nationals chess tournament—and one year later, Rensch took home his first individual national championship title.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Drivers opted for different tire strategies up and down the grid.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Streaming consolidation, soaring production costs and the rapid rise of AI have forced executives to rethink business models and creative strategies.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Irish had chunk plays in both the run and pass games.
    Matt Hayes, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Now, a key question is which specific companies will prove to be a smart play, or a bust, for their investors.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Lejano said hospitals in his area are expanding capacity while some veteran nurses are leaving the profession due to burnout from the covid pandemic, creating openings.
    Phillip Reese, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Broader trends suggest an uneven labor market, with professions like health care continuing to thrive while other fields lag, Stahle said.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This area was mostly empty at the beginning, but the monstrous sounds of the race cars firing up their engines drew a lot of attention.
    Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The chief sent multiple units to increase patrols in high-crime areas after three homicides that happened at the start of the weekend, police spokesperson Officer Bradley Perez said.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Kerzka cleaned blood off the floor so the area would be ready for more patients.
    Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The next hitter, Marsh, was ready for a two-strike fastball, smoking a 100 mph pitch up the box for a single.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In-competition features showcase emerging filmmakers from around the world, there to debut feature, documentary and short films.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Since premiering in 2005, Olympic athletes, TV stars, internet personalities and singers have stepped into the ballroom to participate in the ABC reality dance competition show.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His plan is to pose as a Fish & Wildlife agent, there to question Catalina’s husband about poaching … and then what?
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Here's how Nike's quarterly performance fits into CEO Elliott Hill's broader turnaround plan.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/game. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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