GAME Synonyms: 246 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

game 1 of 2

noun

ˈgām

Definition of game next

as in tournament

a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize decided he would indulge in a friendly basketball game with his friends before dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in strategy

a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective the crook told his accomplice, "Here's the game: look surprised when the police ask about the money"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in profession

the activity by which one regularly makes a living stand-up comedy is his game, and he's one of a handful of people making a decent living at it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in area

a region of activity, knowledge, or influence the education game simply was no longer of interest to her

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game

2 of 2

adjective

as in ready

having a desire or inclination (as for a specified course of action) are you game for going out tonight?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Not only did the Chiefs lose the game handily, but the crowd at one point showered the pop superstar with boos. —

Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025 One regular-season game remains before St. Charles East opens at 6 p.m. next Tuesday in the Willowbrook Regional semifinals. —

Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025

Adjective

The show will launch after the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 26, 2025 at approximately 10 p.m. ET, depending on when the game and post-game coverage conclude. —

Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 Oct. 2024 Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick are always game to try out the latest dance trend. —

Marina Watts, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for game

Recent Examples of Synonyms for game

Noun

On Saturday, Florida Panthers representatives for each country came up big in their final game before the two-week break that coincides with the tournament.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2025
Among the changes are an in-season tournament, a path to the asphalt for accomplished drivers outside the Cup Series and a trip south of the border.

— Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2025