BALL GAMES Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

ball games

noun

plural of ball game

as in rivalries

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another I'm still in this ball game, so don't count me out yet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in situations

position with regard to conditions and circumstances with the new regulations in place, investors are facing a whole new ball game

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 games Log temples atop the mounds overlooked wide plazas for ball games, ceremonies, and open-air markets. — ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 Stop by the visitor center to check out volleyballs, basketballs, Frisbees, cornhole sets, baseballs and bats, or ladder ball games. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 4 June 2026 In addition to the 100-plus food vendors, there are also retail vendors, bungee jumping trampolines and giant inflatable water ball games. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 May 2026 Set the scene Arriving here at golden hour, past a paddock of horses and a wildflower field in which children are playing ball games, feels impossibly idyllic. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 The two fans each have enough battery life to last through outdoor activities like ball games and day trips to Disney, or to keep you cool during a long car ride or a medium-length flight. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2026 In addition to the youth ball games, the family visited some spring-training ballparks, including the one in Surprise, Arizona, where the Royals train. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026 At least not as long as the Knicks are winning ball games. — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026 From sports and ball games to jewelry-making and creative workshops, there is something to delight every child. — Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ball games

Noun

To reestablish and preserve traditional rivalries and eliminate cross-country travel demands, restore conference alignments to their original geographical moorings.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
But the Tigers have the clear advantage on paper, even as rivalries can bring out unorthodox circumstances.

— PJ Green October 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of rivalries

Noun

That count includes troops who died in medical events and other situations that do not have a direct connection to the conflict, with 18 service members having been killed from Iranian strikes, combat aircraft crashes or disposal of Iranian drones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
Gottschalck said the drought situations are expected to persist this winter across the Midwest.

— Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of situations

Noun

Known for risque stand-up comedy routines and battles with drugs and alcohol, Brand rose to prominence in the early 2000s, hosting television programs and his own BBC radio show.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Use it for dry skin, dry lips, dry cuticles, scars from cabaret battles.

— Lindy Segal, Glamour, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of battles

Noun

The talks could lead to decade-long energy partnerships, giving Moscow an opportunity to extend its influence in Africa as China and Western countries pursue nuclear deals of their own.

— Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
There is a historical template for deals between Iran and the United States—Tehran agrees to constrain or give up a specific behavior, and Washington agrees to give it money and recognition—that could apply neatly to the current conflict.

— ALLISON MINOR, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of deals

Noun

Adebayo inched closer to becoming the Heat’s all-time leading rebounder, but his early-season struggles continue.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
In the lead-up to Sunday night’s game, the Chiefs maintained their confidence in Butker, with special teams coordinator Dave Toub suggesting the kicker would work through his struggles.

— Pete Sweeney October 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of struggles

Noun

Gacy painted over a thousand pictures, many of clowns, while on death row in the 1980s and 1990s.

— Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
To my eye, the differences between the 17 Pro and Duo in good lighting were minimal, but the Duo did capture marginally better detail in low light (see the cat pictures).

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of pictures

Noun

Victory extended Villa’s outstanding recent run to six wins from seven games in all competitions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Factor in other domestic competitions, and Belenenses has seven trophies in total, which is tied for the fifth-most in the nation.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of competitions

Noun

In defence, his lack of physicality is becoming more glaring in a Premier League that is leaning more heavily than ever into duels, second balls and set pieces.

— Liam Twomey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
The noodles, the cheese, the topping, the consistency—duels have been fought over less.

— Josh Miller, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of duels

Browse Nearby Words

ball game

ball games

balling

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ball games.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ball%20games. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of ball games

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

reticent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes