FUN Synonyms: 305 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fun 1 of 3

noun

ˈfən

Definition of fun next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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

2 of 3

adjective

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

3 of 3

verb

as in to joke

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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For

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fun people

friendly people

cool people

happy people

interesting 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

Examples 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

Noun

Not everyone has to min-max or come up with the perfect meta builds to have fun. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 San Franciscans had fun with it, marking historic firsts: The San Francisco Chronicle recorded the first person to walk across the bridge on stilts, pushing a stroller, on roller skates, on a unicycle and while playing a tuba. —

Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Part of what was fun about working on this project was really living in her personality for the length of a movie. —

Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025 And, like, this possession kinda thing, like, that’s just fun to talk about. —

Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fun

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun

Noun

With region radio personality Ron Harlow’s March improv show of local talents to plays, children’s shows and annual holiday events, Beatniks has earned and established a gritty history of cutting-edge stage entertainment.

— Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Daniels said King’s legacy will be honored with a variety of activities and entertainment at the 40th anniversary celebration on Monday, including a battle of the bands.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2025