game 1 of 2

Definition of gamenext
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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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game

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adjective

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
The Dodgers are in the midst of playing 13 games in 13 days, and Roberts wanted to make sure that the Japanese sensation got a break. CBS News, 1 July 2026 Downtown Sacramento was awash in Dodger blue as thousands of fans poured into the capital city for a three-game series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the A’s that concludes Wednesday. Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
His apartment is the perfect pre-game space for him and his friends before a night on the town. Marissa Gluck, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 Another casualty of the post-game celebration was a 17-year-old boy beaten into a coma outside a bar near Madison Square garden. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for game
Recent Examples of Synonyms for game
Noun
  • Cardwell has anchored the defense for a team that could contend for its second Summer League championship in six years after winning the tournament in 2021.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • Captain Tim Ream entered the media area after the defeat, a shell of a man who had spent the previous days proudly leading the team throughout this tournament, playing in four US matches at this World Cup.
    David Close, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Teams that are not ready solve yesterday's problems and call it strategy.
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The 16-man team will be coached by Lakers assistant coach Ty Abbott and begin summer league play Friday against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • With group play coming to a close and the Round of 32 approaching, the competition is heating up as teams look to punch their tickets to the knockout round in hopes of hoisting the FIFA World Cup Trophy at the final on Sunday, July 19.
    Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Lila Scott, a TV writer, is among those seeking to join the profession.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The researchers found that, within the medical profession, doctors tend to earn more in specialties that require more training and longer hours.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • The warning sign against Japan came when Casemiro picked up a yellow card in the 14th minute for a clumsy foul on the edge of the area.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Wildlife officials caught and euthanized two alligators in the area, which measured 12 feet and 13 feet.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • The clambake is ready when the clams have fully opened, the potatoes are tender, the broth is bubbling and the sausage is heated through.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Leadership teams that are ready for change treat ambiguity as part of the job.
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
    Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • In an interview with Mental Floss, competitive eater Yasir Salem discusses how speed eaters will chew gum to strengthen their jaws to avoid fatigue during competitions.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Corlys, one of few characters on the show who has survived long enough to ask for a favor in return for his service, shares his plan with Rhaenyra, asking her earnestly for public support from the crown.
    Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • The government claimed the feature could increase cybercrime incidents and has directed the platform to pause its plans.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/game. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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