fun 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of funnext
as in amusing
providing amusement or enjoyment there were so many fun things to do at summer camp that the kids really hated to leave

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fun

2 of 3

noun

ˈfən How to pronounce fun (audio)
1
as in entertainment
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment theme parks with their rides, shows, and games are great fun for the whole family

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in play
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously when I said that playing the piano like that could get you arrested, I only said it in fun

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself came outside to where we were playing touch football and joined the fun

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity the fun really began when the deer broke out of its pen and started wandering down the street

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fun

3 of 3

verb

as in to joke
to make jokes just a couple of old friends funning with each other

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fun people
friendly people
cool people
happy people
festive people
fun appetizers
yummy appetizers
delicious appetizers
tasty appetizers
fancy appetizers
creative appetizers
fun neighborhoods
quirky neighborhoods
lively neighborhoods
trendy neighborhoods
charming neighborhoods
cool neighborhoods

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun fun differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fun are game, jest, play, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How do game and sport relate to one another, in the sense of fun?

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

made game of their poor relations

When can jest be used instead of fun?

The words jest and fun can be used in similar contexts, but jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

When might play be a better fit than fun?

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

pretended to strangle his brother in play

In what contexts can sport take the place of fun?

The synonyms sport and fun are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 fun
Adjective
It’s been really fun being able to see us in different ways and honestly different clothes even (Laughs). —Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2025 Different shades of ambient lighting add a superfluous but fun luxury characteristic. —James Raia, Mercury News, 13 July 2025
Noun
That's not long enough to earn the cachet of other performance sub-brands, like BMW's M or Mercedes-Benz's AMG, but N has certainly developed a reputation for fun, attainable, and powder-blue cars. —Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025 Most multitools are rectangular, but why should that one shape get to have all the fun? —Ben Coxworth july 13, New Atlas, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
  1. amusing
  2. entertainment
  3. play
  4. relaxation
  5. commotion
  6. joke
  7. delight
  8. game
Adjective
  • For two-thirds of the day, as the peloton rolled through Brittany, the majority of soundbites ranged from frivolous to downright amusing.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • The scene was more amusing than threatening — onlookers whipped out cell phone cameras to document the sight of horses traversing the grounds.
    — Jim Newton, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
Definition of amusing
Noun
  • Food trucks, chef demonstrations, live entertainment and educational programming from community partners are some of the activities offered.
    — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • This information including any specific securities mentioned is for educational, entertainment and illustrative purposes only and not a recommendation or solicitation to purchase or sell any individual security.
    — David Thomas, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • Amenities: Free on-site parking, restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, pool and kid’s pool, beach access, dedicated kid’s play area Editor’s tip: Don’t miss the sourdough breads and pastries baked fresh every morning courtesy of the hotel’s new bakery in town, Red Jane.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • In an interview, Missouri State senior associate athletic director Casey Hunt made no bones about the fact that the stunt/A&T twofer was a gender-equity play, noting the relatively low cost and high roster capacity of both sports, especially post-House.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of play
Noun
  • For those seeking relaxation with a partner, the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort offers restorative services lead by cardiologist Dr. Martin G. Bloom.
    — Korin Miller, Flow Space, 24 July 2025
  • There are a series of pools in different temperatures, a Finnish sauna, Eucalyptus and essential oil steam rooms and plenty of indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces.
    — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of relaxation
Noun
  • The bus driver heard the commotion, pulled over and told everyone to get off.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
  • Despite the commotion and all the onlookers, Monica does not recall anyone else trying to break up the altercation.
    — Colson Thayer, People.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of commotion
Verb
  • The Coldplay camera video has been joked about by other artists, including Liam Gallagher who said cheaters would be safe at Oasis’ shows.
    — Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2025
  • The episode also mentioned the controversy over the ongoing fallout over the Jeffrey Epstein list and joked about CBS and Paramount recent announcement that Stephen Colbert's Late Show is to be cancelled.
    — Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Definition of joke
Noun
  • As Japan’s second-largest city, Yokohama has no shortage of local delights.
    — Kim Kay, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025
  • His wife's reaction to the surprise during the vows was one of pure delight.
    — Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Definition of delight
Noun
  • Simpson, arguably the fastest runner in the game, broke on contact for home as the go-ahead run.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2025
  • Sosa had a two-run single in the seventh to help the Sox reach double digits in scoring for the second straight game.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
Definition of game

Phrases Containing fun

Browse Nearby Words

fuming
fun
fun and games
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Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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