game 1 of 2

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2
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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
Since Pereira took charge, 18 goals have been conceded in 14 games with a -1 goal difference. Steve Madeley, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025 However, that was overshadowed by Westbrook's mishaps in the final seconds of the game. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Those numbers do not reflect the audience for the entirety of Netflix’s coverage, which began at 11 a.m. ET with a pregame show and ran through the post-game forensics on the Texans’ 31-2 pounding by the Ravens. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024 The show will launch after the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 26, 2025 at approximately 10 p.m. ET, depending on when the game and post-game coverage conclude. Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for game
Recent Examples of Synonyms for game
Noun
  • The Heat can finish the regular season anywhere between eighth and 10th place in the East, as the NBA’s play-in tournament features the seventh-through-10th-place teams competing for the final two playoff seeds in each conference.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Miami guard scored 30 points, and the team’s loss put them in the 10th spot in the playoffs – at the edge of the play-in tournament.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Through countless films, TV series, Amblin events, awards campaigns and our public relations strategy—this is where Marvin came alive.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Yet most of the examples cited, including McKiernan’s ouster, stemmed from differing opinions on military strategy or questions of competence—not differing ideologies.
    Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As part of its spring 2025 runway presentation, Fendi paired two bags in different hues and silhouettes for some intentional contrast play — both gripped in one hand by the models.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Written, performed and co-directed by Crouch, the play tells the story of a father who loses his daughter in a car accident.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As global trade grew, the profession became formalized, with pilots undergoing rigorous training, apprenticeships, and exams.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • And this is the corner through which Rabinowitz entered the profession.
    Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Team 2 will survey the area associated with the tornado near Greenville.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Roach recommends using a dense synthetic angled brush to reach areas like the forehead and jaw.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the Gamecocks machine is ready to backfill, with MiLaysia Fulwiley, Tessa Johnson and Joyce Edwards waiting in the wings.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Cesare is hard at work on the fourth book in the franchise, which means there are already two books written and ready to go should the duo, who became fast friends while first discussing the film, have the opportunity to further explore Quinn’s story.
    William Earl, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Another directorial debut, the French drama Partir un Jour from first-timer Amélie Bonnin, will open this year’s festival, screening out of competition.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That also plays out of competition in Cannes Premiere.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Following your treatment plan can help preserve your vision.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The plan focuses on economic development, infrastructure, arts and culture, entertainment, public safety and cleanliness — driving the work required to create a downtown that thrives for everyone.
    Shelonda Stokes, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/game. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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