sport 1 of 2

Definition of sportnext
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as in game
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously teasing that began in sport ended with some hateful words being exchanged

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in ridicule
the making of unkind jokes as a way of showing one's scorn for someone or something taught their children that it was not polite to make sport of others

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in joke
a person or thing that is made fun of had become the long-suffering sport of the village

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sport

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sport differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sport are fun, game, jest, and play. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

When is fun a more appropriate choice than sport?

The synonyms fun and sport are sometimes interchangeable, but fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How are the words game and sport related?

Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.

made game of their poor relations

Where would jest be a reasonable alternative to sport?

The meanings of jest and sport largely overlap; however, jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

When can play be used instead of sport?

In some situations, the words play and sport are roughly equivalent. However, play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.

pretended to strangle his brother in play

How does the noun sport differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sport are fun, game, jest, and play. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

When is fun a more appropriate choice than sport?

The synonyms fun and sport are sometimes interchangeable, but fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How are the words game and sport related?

Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.

made game of their poor relations

Where would jest be a reasonable alternative to sport?

The meanings of jest and sport largely overlap; however, jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

When can play be used instead of sport?

In some situations, the words play and sport are roughly equivalent. However, play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.

pretended to strangle his brother in play

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 sport
Noun
That income can go toward delivering to Hobart residents necessary services, including paving and drainage, sidewalks, sports programs and fields, and schools. Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 In a big global deal, giant Publicis Groupe has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire sports marketing and creative agency 160over90 from WME Group. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
Sperling often sports Beulah London, a brand beloved by all the Windsor women, as well as Suzannah London, one of Sophie of Edinburgh’s flagship tailors, who was also recently showcased by the Princess of Wales. Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026 The white dog, who sports a distinctive black patch around one eye, was filmed sitting upright on a seat like a human. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sport
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sport
Noun
  • The new rules were approved by the county's recreation and park commission last week, and they are scheduled to go before the board of supervisors for a vote in the next two months.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Priorities remaining this year include boosting community engagement through surveys and website additions, developing strategic plans for village parks and recreation facilities and seeking funding for infrastructure improvements, Dodge said.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • At game’s end, Quenneville cautioned against looking too far ahead.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Through five games in the Kansas City Current’s 2026 season, three losses raised alarm bells among the National Women’s Soccer League club’s passionate fanbase.
    PJ Green April 5, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Yet Beijing has rebuffed the White House’s call to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz, a request that invited ridicule from Chinese propaganda outlets and online bloggers.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Among regime critics, the new leader’s lack of presence – both literal and figurative – has prompted ridicule.
    Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • No this is not a joke…Retro Weather Channel is officially back!
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The response to the outcry led to even more jokes online.
    Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Jack Plummer, who is now playing for the United Football League’s Orlando Storm, spent the bulk of the 2024 season on the practice squad as a third arm.
    Mike Kaye April 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Emma D'Arcy landed an Emmy nomination playing an older version of Rhaenyra later in Season 1 and stayed the lead in Season 2, though Alcock also reprised her role as a guest star.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Fans danced to Latin music blaring from the speakers.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Vásquez didn’t factor in the decision after a defensive miscue led to the bullpen briefly losing the lead, but the emerging starting pitcher danced in and out of trouble in keeping the Red Sox at bay on an evening in which the wind chill dropped the temperature into the high 20s.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And, to honor the occasion, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (Mucem), in Marseille, decided to display a guillotine in full view.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
  • French cheeses displayed in a store in Paris.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • May 21 – June 20 This morning invites silent relaxation before words rush in.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The spa The serene, partially subterranean spa has seven treatment rooms, hammams, saunas, and a spacious relaxation area.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sport.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sport. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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