sport 1 of 2

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as in game
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously teasing that began in sport ended with some hateful words being exchanged

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in ridicule
the making of unkind jokes as a way of showing one's scorn for someone or something taught their children that it was not polite to make sport of others

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in joke
a person or thing that is made fun of had become the long-suffering sport of the village

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sport

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sport differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sport are fun, game, jest, and play. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

When is fun a more appropriate choice than sport?

The synonyms fun and sport are sometimes interchangeable, but fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How are the words game and sport related?

Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.

made game of their poor relations

Where would jest be a reasonable alternative to sport?

The meanings of jest and sport largely overlap; however, jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

When can play be used instead of sport?

In some situations, the words play and sport are roughly equivalent. However, play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.

pretended to strangle his brother in play

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 sport
Noun
How has this Arizona native remained at the pinnacle of the sport since beginning his Thoroughbred conditioning career in 1991? Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 Why all of this had to be done at the expense of professional women's sports instead of, say, MMA cagefighting is never explained. Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
Lindsay Perrin sports a Chappell Roan T-short in the hospital, left, and poses with her best friend and egg donor, Lauren Arrabito, right. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025 Tucked around a partition wall sporting a two-way linear fireplace is a kitchen outfitted with sleek Poliform cabinetry, an eat-in island, and Miele, Wolf, and Sub-Zero appliances. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sport
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sport
Noun
  • The rising tide of active Americans is lifting the boats of the recreation sector.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The following recreation sites and Forest Service roads are temporarily closed for fire personnel and public safety.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Strawberry hit his 252 home runs with the Mets in 1,109 games over eight seasons.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The 52-year-old teaches youth confidence, discipline and focus through the game of golf.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Instagram, Snapchat, Roblox, and other platforms have rolled out their own protections, following much ridicule over the dangers of apps.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 30 July 2025
  • Online discussions veer between judgement, analysis, support and ridicule.
    Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Following Colbert’s ongoing jokes at the president’s expense, Trump has celebrated the talk show’s demise.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The kind of joke where the laughter is bitter and sticks in your throat, but still.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Triste was mixed by Chris Coady and features contributions from drummer Josh Freese and guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen, with whom Lenchantin previously played in A Perfect Circle.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 20 Aug. 2025
  • From the moment visitors enter the Keep, they are encouraged to touch, listen, explore, and play.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The stunning display is caused by solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, and tonight's conditions are just right for the colors to be seen dancing across the sky — weather permitting.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Mary Shelley’s creature didn’t dance in tux and tails.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In the deli area, Jennie-O low sodium turkey breast displayed in the reach-in display cooler had been opened on July 16.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025
  • However, those who are less party-minded will love other events like the Classic Car Parade, and should plan on visiting the oversized flower displays that decorate the city.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These 10 items help create a sanctuary that reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
    Jené Luciani Sena , Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Practicing answers, rehearsing entry and exit routines, and using relaxation techniques can help candidates present calmer faces during interviews.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sport.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sport. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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