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

Some familiar faces joined in for the holiday fun during the annual tour, too. —

Jeff Nelson, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024 The resulting series has a lot of fun with its premise, boosted even further by the affectionate repartee between stars Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet. —

Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Restaurateur Simon Kim’s Korean steakhouse is beloved for its excellent cocktails, fun vibes and $78 butcher’s feast. —

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 Regardless of what happens, this is going to be really fun. —

Wren Sanders, Them, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fun

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun

Noun

For thrill-seekers Meta Quest 3S Meta’s latest headset still delivers an exceptional mixed-reality experience for serious entertainment.

Marc Saltzman, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Created by Global Citizen and Kendrick Lamar’s entertainment company pgLang, the tour is part an effort to bring more economic opportunities to the continent’s younger generations through live music.

Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024