1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ball games
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
After approval from church leadership, chairwoman Lisa Stocco infused the event with more than 20 Gophers football players serving as guest pitchers and coaches for the event’s centerpiece whiffle ball games.
—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
23 Oct. 2025
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
After approval from church leadership, chairwoman Lisa Stocco infused the event with more than 20 Gophers football players serving as guest pitchers and coaches for the event’s centerpiece whiffle ball games.
—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ball games
Noun
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At a time when the news cycle seems to serve up nothing but conflict, crisis and woe, the World Cup offers shelter, a truly international event in which conflict is defined by long-term sports rivalries and questionable referee decisions.
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The Golden State Warriors are reportedly looking to pair James with Stephen Curry, which would turn one of the NBA's greatest rivalries into two of the game's greatest stars fighting for their fifth title together.
Noun
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Put yourself in situations where people are willing to talk respectfully and address their differences.
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The teenage phenom is able to complement his obvious technical skills with a flair and maturity in high-pressure situations that is well beyond his years.
Noun
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On Friday, Putin visited the Russian military headquarters directing the action in Ukraine to receive a report on the capture of the city of Kostyantynivka after weeks of intense street battles.
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Legal battles can discourage farmers Mora said the years-long litigation has left him feeling frustrated and defenseless.
Noun
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Don’t wait to shop, since these fast-selling deals won’t last long.
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Amazon has deals on the exact brands the multi-hyphenate wears and raves about, plus pieces pulled straight from her playbook (cough, her Instagram, cough).
Noun
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And then there’s the guy that had a lot of success, and through injuries or struggles, needs to change some things and adjust some things.
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The actress spent a few years away from Hollywood, working at a treatment center after her own struggles with substance abuse.
Noun
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Other pictures on unofficial Telegram channels showed residents crowding into underground stations.
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Ranging from the film pioneer Georges Méliès all the way through 2024’s Anora, Thomson’s survey covers silent pictures, the talkies, the studio era, the New Hollywood, and the age of streaming.
Noun
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Riders are screened before competitions and anyone considered too inexperienced is denied entry.
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Olise’s five assists in France’s opening four games have been a ruthless continuation of his club form, having racked up 26 in all competitions for Bayern Munich last season.
Noun
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As with many Latin American and African teams, Paraguay defend deep and are extremely physical in duels and aerial battles.
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On Wednesday, Tillman won nine duels — the most of anyone who played on either side — and had five dangerous interceptions, a metric used in soccer that accounts for stopping an attack.
Cite this Entry
“Ball games.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ball%20games. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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