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
While the same political party now controls the White House and both the House and Senate, that was also true from 2017 to 2019 and from 2021 to 2023 when various college sports reforms were proposed to much media fanfare only to stall and then be forgotten. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Feb. 2025 Learfield, which manages sports sponsorships for over 160 universities and licensing agreements for nearly 800 colleges, says that 93 of its schools had licensing deals for alcoholic beverages for the first six months of the current fiscal year. Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
Mike Eruzione, a former Olympic-winning hockey player, served as an honorary captain at the match and sported Johnny’s jersey, emblazoned with the number 13. Sam Gillette, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025 Nestled on a quiet hillside cul-de-sac, the structure sports curved terra-cotta roof tiles and a blue-gray paint job on its stucco exterior. Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sport
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sport
Noun
  • Yates’ second-degree murder conviction stemmed from killing inmate Nathan Marcus, 33, at a recreation yard, the CDCR has said.
    Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The Natural State's burgeoning outdoor recreation industry generated $7.3 billion in direct and indirect economic impact during 2023, per topline figures shared from a new report Monday.
    Worth Sparkman, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Forward/center Dwight Powell and Caleb Martin were out for their most recent game, a blowout loss on Sunday at Golden State.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Feb. 2025
  • If Leeds had lost both of these games, as looked distinctly possible, Sheffield United would now be league leaders on 73 points.
    Beren Cross, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • After a decade of mediocrity or getting bounced out of the playoffs after one game, the roster and lack of depth have long been the subject of ridicule.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Swift faced more ridicule after the loss from President Donald Trump, who attended the game, becoming the first sitting president to do so.
    Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Sunday night's show packed five decades of memories, references, music, and jokes into a three-hour program that was high on emotion, heart, and laughs.
    Melissa Locker, TIME, 17 Feb. 2025
  • There’s lots of Easter eggs of all sorts, with dialogue, with jokes, with clothes.
    Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Players who for years were starved for the chance to play meaningful games on behalf of their country now would be able to face-off for international bragging rights.
    Greg Rosenstein, NBC News, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Vaccination rates might also be playing a role, Brull said.
    Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Brazilian Carnival is around the corner (beginning on February 28), a time when locals flock to the streets to dance, imbibe and connect with their heritage.
    Jillian Dara, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Not far away, three boys dance in front of a phone placed on the ground, and angled up.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Its Backup Storage area displays the backups and the option to conduct remote restorations.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 25 Feb. 2025
  • However, at most dealership websites, buyers can only see the range when the vehicle is new displayed, and sometimes current 100 percent state-of-charge range, but nothing deeper.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Medical retreats are often located in tranquil settings—think serene beaches, lush forests, or peaceful mountains—that naturally promote relaxation.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Elsewhere, the guests will have plenty of relaxation space indoors, thanks to an expansive main lounge.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sport.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sport. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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