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
The Facility was the sports and entertainment talk show that Acho left Speak to develop in September 2024. Caroline Blair, People.com, 15 July 2025 The absence of meaningful sports, notably football, as well as prime time episodes after series wrapped their seasons in May, sent broadcast networks down 5% from May. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Verb
The hippo went viral again in June after photos and videos showed her sporting a new, glamorous look. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 July 2025 Amazon $440 Govee Why not upgrade your home with 100 feet of outdoor lighting, sporting 60 RGBIC LEDs, at a hefty discount? Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sport
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sport
Noun
  • According to Thomas, the themes associated with this zodiac sign include romance, creativity, recreation and children.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 19 July 2025
  • Residents are increasingly drawn to the area's rivers, mountain trails, and outdoor recreation—all while benefiting from an average income of $63,685 and home listings that average $819,700.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Saturday's sports schedule delivers with UFC 318 and a full slate of MLB games.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • What’s easy to forget about those willing to risk it all in the face of endless ridicule is that there are stumbles along the way.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, Dustin mourns the loss of Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn), who died in season 4, and is still the subject of ridicule from the town due to his alternative lifestyle even after his death.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • Chinese officials in the eastern province of Zhejiang have put stand-up comics on notice to avoid jokes that could fuel resentment between the sexes.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • Buddusky tries to fill the room with noise, jokes, bluster.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Hamill plays a man only known as the Major, the military commander who oversees the Walk and gives the walkers their literal marching orders.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 26 July 2025
  • Binaural beats are an auditory illusion created when two tones of slightly different frequencies are played separately into each ear at the same time.
    Noma Nazish, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The reality star continued to post wedding highlights, including videos of himself and Blanco dancing together at their reception.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Alcaraz hit a deep defensive shot and recovered quickly, dancing across the court with fleet little steps, and ran around his backhand to hit a forehand down the line.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The artworks and photos are displayed alongside historical items, archival images, video reenactments of the Raid, and multimedia testimonials by descendants of the enslaved people who liberated themselves.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • If a face is displayed to millions of people at once, chances are someone will recognize it.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
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
  • However, the effect is somewhat modulated by other chemical compounds that promote relaxation in tea.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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