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
You’re being called to play the long game, to build something that lasts. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025 Turner Sports first acquired an NBA package in 1984, and games were on TNT since the network launched in 1988. Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 1 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
  • Who better than the 18-time major champion himself to discuss what McIlroy's absence means to him as the organizer of the tournament?
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • What if Ronaldo inks a contract with a team just for the duration of the tournament?
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Amy Cameron – an executive, writer and producer – and Tassie Cameron, a showrunner and executive producer – founded Cameron Pictures and manage it alongside executive producer Alex Patrick, who leads on strategy and business and legal affairs.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 May 2025
  • What happens next? Kennedy has stated that a follow-up report outlining a strategy and potential policy reforms for addressing childhood chronic illness will be released in mid-August 2025.
    Paul Dawson, The Conversation, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Receiver Ladd McConkey made the splash play of the day down the left sideline during the third-down period.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Vientos is better able to anticipate plays now and his throws are more accurate.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • The 31-year-old attorney from Brooklyn, New York, kept his profession a secret from the other players throughout the game.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • And in Hoskin’s view, that is true for all professions.
    Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • On Sunday morning, the area around 13500 Palm Ave. remained an active crime scene.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • To build smarter, more agile systems, organizations should begin by conducting a thorough audit of their current resources to identify areas where AI can enhance existing processes.
    David Jones, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Plan to wear a comfortable outfit and be ready to undress from the waist up.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 25 May 2025
  • But not everyone is ready to join the wave just yet.
    Jon Youshaei, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • The Diamond League was the premier series of competition in the sport for a long time and still holds that title due to its longevity and structure.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • For Case, the Welsh race in mid-May was her first big competition since the summer of 2022: the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run in Colorado.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • But Andrea Jenkins, who represents the area and supports the city's plan, said residents around the square want vehicle traffic.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/game. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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