ball 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈbȯl How to pronounce ball (audio)
Definition of ballnext
1
as in sphere
a more or less round body or mass the little rubber ball used in racquetball a ball of string

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bullet
a usually round or cone-shaped little piece of lead made to be fired from a firearm found a cache of musket balls while excavating the old fort

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ball

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in dance
a social gathering for dancing a ball to celebrate the inauguration

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ball

3 of 3

verb

as in to round
to form into a round compact mass balled up the paper and threw it at the garbage can

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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 ball
Noun
From modular home setups to open development kits that let anyone with silver-ball dreams try their hand at game design, there was something for everyone. — ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026 Across six games, the running game has lost just 59 yards, and 31 of those are from Madsen keeping the ball. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
Coat the mixer bowl in olive oil pam, roll the dough ball around in it, then put in the oven (make sure the oven is off) or put in a ziplock bag until the next day. — Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Sep. 2026 With the Bombers’ bullpen depleted, the junk-balling lefty didn’t allow a baserunner while recording a three-inning save after Cole hit the showers. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ball
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ball
  1. sphere
  2. bullet
  3. dance
  4. round
  5. globe
  6. ammunition
  7. prom
  8. roll
Noun
  • Scientists expected the asteroid’s surface to be a smooth, sandy sphere where OSIRIS-REx could seamlessly touch down.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In this procedure, uranium-containing material is formed into tiny spheres by dipping them into a hot silicone-oil bath.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of sphere
Noun
  • The bullet pierced the rear passenger window of Irvine’s car, striking him in the right shoulder and causing his death.
    — Kelsie Cairns , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • After riddling the vehicle with bullets and receiving backup from the 400 Mawozo gang, the gunmen set the vehicle on fire with an explosive device, several sources told the Herald.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of bullet
Noun
  • Members of the dance group Danzantes Unidos Mitotiliztli performed in October 2025 during a Dia de los Muertos celebration offered by Athziry Día de Muertos and the city of Aurora at East Aurora High School.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Dancers, artists, and musicians gathered to drum, sing, and compete in dance contests.
    — Jeremy Rellosa, Curbed, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of dance
Verb
  • Zayne Parekh, Ryan Strome and Matvei Gridin, who also had an assist, rounded out the scoring for Calgary (4-6-0).
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Some home runs have their importance underscored by the author taking his time to admire his moon shot and round the base paths, milking every moment.
    — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of round
Noun
  • He was known for his love of globes, often photographed posing with them, according to The Post.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But for whatever reason, Hegseth’s staff wanted to bypass protocol, and the people moving the 30-inch globe dropped and broke it.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of globe
Noun
  • Carrying several rockets lets the aircraft conduct multiple engagements in one sortie, though the number of successful interceptions will depend on the targets, engagement conditions, and available ammunition.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Ukrainian leader has pleaded with Washington to supply more Patriot air-defense ammunition to stop the missiles, and to heap more sanctions on Russia to pressure Moscow to pursue peace.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of ammunition
Noun
  • Now, Silverstein is hoping to organize swaps for back-to-school, prom season, winter coats and other high-consumption, single-use times of year.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • More than 40 years since Andie destroyed Iona’s vintage prom gown, here’s what the cast of Pretty in Pink has been up to.
    — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of prom
Verb
  • Country music star Randy Houser spends a lot of his life on the road, but when the shows are over and the tour bus stops rolling, there's usually one thing on his mind.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • For a double crust, roll the bottom crust over the top crust, sealing the filling inside.
    — Melissa Weller, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of roll

Phrases Containing ball

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balky
ball
ballad
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Cite this Entry

“Ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ball. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ball

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