Synonyms of recreation

recreation 1 of 2

noun (1)

ˌre-krē-ˈā-shən 

1

as in relaxation

activity engaged in to amuse oneself

decided to take a bike tour of the island for recreation and relaxation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relaxation
• fun
• entertainment
• amusement
• enjoyment
• sport
• play
• pleasure
• rollicking
• frolicking
• dalliance
• frolic
• fun and games
• diversion
• playfulness
• hobby
• pastime
• delight
• romping
• pleasance
• mischief
• merrymaking
• hobbyhorse
• deviltry
• revel
• kick
• devilment
• revelry
• lark
• gamboling
• merriment
• hilarity
• gambolling
• rascality
• spree
• hijinks
• horseplay
• tomfoolery
• hob
• wantonness
• buffoonery
• jinks
• sportiveness
• devilry
• high jinks
• binge
• mischievousness
• fling
• knavery
• roguishness
• friskiness
• hanky-panky
• rollick
• whoopee
• impishness
• waggery

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• work
• labor
• drudgery
• duty
• responsibility
• obligation

2

as in entertainment

someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment

bowling is great recreation on a rainy afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

• entertainment
• diversion
• fun
• delight
• pleasure
• activity
• picnic
• divertissement
• distraction
• pastime
• festivity
• escape
• lark
• game
• romp
• gayety
• revel
• merrymaking
• spree
• rollicking
• frolic
• revelry
• hilarity
• carousing
• jollity
• riot
• conviviality
• binge
• fling
• gaiety
• frolicking
• gambol
• jollification
• time killer
• scream
• revelling
• rollick
• laugh
• reveling
• whoopee

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• drag
• downer
• bummer
• party pooper
• killjoy

3

as in amusement

the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public

water parks have become a significant part of the recreation business

Synonyms & Similar Words

• entertainment
• amusement
• diversion
• enjoyment
• production
• performance
• distraction
• show
• presentation
• relaxation
• exhibition
• joy
• gratification
• nightlife
• mirth
• presentment
• relief
• spectacle
• satisfaction
• show business
• delight
• escapism
• delectation

4

as in sport

an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure

as with other men of his class and income, his principal recreations were polo and yachting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sport
• pursuit
• hobby
• entertainment
• amusement
• avocation
• relaxation
• pastime
• diversion
• hobbyhorse
• distraction

re-creation

2 of 2

noun (2)

as in restoration

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restoration
• rehabilitation
• reclamation
• reconstruction
• remodeling
• refurbishment
• renovation
• rehab
• facelift
• recovery
• revival
• recuperation
• repairing
• fixing
• resurrection
• regeneration
• rebirth
• revitalization
• regeneracy
• rejuvenation
• restoral
• resuscitation
• renewal
• resurgence
• renaissance
• reinvention
• revivification
• mending
• renascence
• reanimation
• rally
• rejuvenescence
• reactivation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of recreation

Noun

Spa-like fitness, recreation and wellness amenities, including resort-style pools, meditation spaces or yoga lawns. —Monica Cuervo, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

In a sprawling recreation of La Carolina Park, the game’s centerpiece playspace, a couple having a picnic idly discusses life, love and the recent shift to the U.S. dollar as a result of the financial crisis. —Lewis Gordon, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

The heads of Boise’s fire and parks and recreation departments are set to retire this fall, the city announced Wednesday. —Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 2025

Upon arrival, children and their parents or guardians must check in at an information desk—located at the recreation center, indoor sports center and senior center—to pick up a tote bag and wristband. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025