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
  • What if Ronaldo inks a contract with a team just for the duration of the tournament?
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • But, at this point, Edelman believes that advisers who value diversification as a strategy in their clients’ portfolio — eg, across asset classes, sectors, etc. — would be remiss not to recommend adding at least a small amount of digital asset exposure.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • These changes were more than just rebrands: each new name came along with a fundamentally different business strategy.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 7 June 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 profession requires nuanced assessment, relationship-building, and constant intervention adjustment that AI simply cannot replicate.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • With the show, the verité filmmaker aims to uncover the human element of this high-gloss profession.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Check out the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder to help determine the right plants for your area.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 June 2025
  • Some areas have already seen six inches of rain, with much more to come.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • However, Reuters reports that Egyptian transport minister Kamel al-Wazir recently told a conference in Egypt that the planning stage for a bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia has been completed, and that his country is ready to implement it at any time.
    Adam Williams, New Atlas, 6 June 2025
  • The powers that be aren’t ready to reveal that just yet.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 6 June 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
  • Few trans athletes have reached elite levels of sports competition and even fewer have taken home top prizes, but their limited success has fueled the growing movement to ban them from participating on teams consistent with their gender identity.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The Democratic governor said that a plan to regulate cannabis in the state is needed to protect children, who can often obtain intoxicating hemp products without restrictions.
    A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Some health insurance plans will cover naloxone, and some state and local health departments may give out this medication free of charge.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/game. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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