Synonyms of recreation

recreation 1 of 2

noun (1)

ˌre-krē-ˈā-shən 

1

as in relaxation

activity engaged in to amuse oneself

decided to take a bike tour of the island for recreation and relaxation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relaxation
• fun
• entertainment
• amusement
• enjoyment
• sport
• play
• pleasure
• rollicking
• frolicking
• dalliance
• frolic
• fun and games
• diversion
• playfulness
• hobby
• pastime
• delight
• romping
• pleasance
• mischief
• merrymaking
• hobbyhorse
• deviltry
• revel
• kick
• devilment
• revelry
• lark
• gamboling
• merriment
• hilarity
• gambolling
• rascality
• spree
• hijinks
• horseplay
• tomfoolery
• hob
• wantonness
• buffoonery
• jinks
• sportiveness
• devilry
• high jinks
• binge
• mischievousness
• fling
• knavery
• roguishness
• friskiness
• hanky-panky
• rollick
• whoopee
• impishness
• waggery

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• work
• labor
• drudgery
• duty
• responsibility
• obligation

2

as in entertainment

someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment

bowling is great recreation on a rainy afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

• entertainment
• diversion
• fun
• delight
• pleasure
• activity
• picnic
• divertissement
• distraction
• pastime
• festivity
• escape
• lark
• game
• romp
• gayety
• revel
• merrymaking
• spree
• rollicking
• frolic
• revelry
• hilarity
• carousing
• jollity
• riot
• conviviality
• binge
• fling
• gaiety
• frolicking
• gambol
• jollification
• time killer
• scream
• revelling
• rollick
• laugh
• reveling
• whoopee

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• drag
• downer
• bummer
• party pooper
• killjoy

3

as in amusement

the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public

water parks have become a significant part of the recreation business

Synonyms & Similar Words

• entertainment
• amusement
• diversion
• enjoyment
• production
• performance
• distraction
• show
• presentation
• relaxation
• exhibition
• joy
• gratification
• nightlife
• mirth
• presentment
• relief
• spectacle
• satisfaction
• show business
• delight
• escapism
• delectation

4

as in sport

an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure

as with other men of his class and income, his principal recreations were polo and yachting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sport
• pursuit
• hobby
• entertainment
• amusement
• avocation
• relaxation
• pastime
• diversion
• hobbyhorse
• distraction

re-creation

2 of 2

noun (2)

as in restoration

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restoration
• rehabilitation
• reclamation
• reconstruction
• remodeling
• refurbishment
• renovation
• rehab
• facelift
• recovery
• revival
• recuperation
• repairing
• fixing
• resurrection
• regeneration
• rebirth
• revitalization
• regeneracy
• rejuvenation
• restoral
• resuscitation
• renewal
• resurgence
• renaissance
• reinvention
• revivification
• mending
• renascence
• reanimation
• rally
• rejuvenescence
• reactivation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of recreation

Noun

Today, From the Archives does the same with this photo from circa 1945 of a recreation pond near Palm Canyon in Anza Borrego State Park. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025

Sponsor Opportunities: Boulder’s rugged surrounding terrain and hiking culture could lure outdoor recreation sponsors, while Google offices on Pearl Street provide an opportunity for partnership with the tech giant. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2025

The 33,000-square-foot, three-floor site aims to tell the story of the Executive Mansion, including a recreation of the Rose Garden. —Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 19 Mar. 2025

An uncanny all-star cast (including Ken Cosgrove actor Aaron Staton); a resplendent recreation of postwar Los Angeles; a spate of unsolved crimes. —Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025