sport 1 of 2

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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

3
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

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
This motion is used during daily tasks that require pulling and during exercise activities, such as swimming and racket sports. Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025 Prize money caps have arguably become harder to justify in a more commercialized college sports world. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
The campaign coincides with the introduction of the Champion for Target collection, which encompasses activewear and sporting goods for adults and kids, and will roll out in Target stores and online this Sunday. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 July 2025 In photos taken from the shoot, Roan — similar to the song’s artwork — sported absurdly long, Rapunzel-style hair while singing atop a fire escape and dragging behind a taxi cab. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sport
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sport
Noun
  • Instead of giving guests a tour behind the scenes of films, as was commonly the case in movie parks, Warner Bros. World puts visitors in recreations of the worlds where characters from the silver screen are meant to live.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Find public access at High Falls County Park, a 46-acre recreation area complete with boat launches, campsites, playgrounds, picnic tables, mini golf, basketball and volleyball courts, and a fishing pier.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Mama Cozzi's Buffalo Chicken Dip Deli Pizza Is there anything better than creamy, homemade buffalo chicken dip on game day?
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 31 July 2025
  • Kotsay said ahead of Wednesday’s series-closing game against the Seattle Mariners (57-51).
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • What’s easy to forget about those willing to risk it all in the face of endless ridicule is that there are stumbles along the way.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, Dustin mourns the loss of Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn), who died in season 4, and is still the subject of ridicule from the town due to his alternative lifestyle even after his death.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • Buddusky tries to fill the room with noise, jokes, bluster.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
  • Sketching swastikas and 'edgy' jokes: Idaho shooter not typical loner Who is Wess Roley?
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Cash, 47, played for Francona when the Reds manager helmed the Boston Red Sox and then served as Francona’s bullpen coach in Cleveland before becoming the Rays’ manager.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • Messi and Alba practiced with the club Friday in anticipation of playing in Saturday’s match before MLS announced the suspension.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The reality star continued to post wedding highlights, including videos of himself and Blanco dancing together at their reception.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Alcaraz hit a deep defensive shot and recovered quickly, dancing across the court with fleet little steps, and ran around his backhand to hit a forehand down the line.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • These products are perfect for displaying on a mantel or placing by a bowl of Halloween candy.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2025
  • Often mistaken for king snakes or milk snakes, coral snakes display distinctive red, yellow, and black rings encircling their bodies.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • For those seeking relaxation with a partner, the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort offers restorative services lead by cardiologist Dr. Martin G. Bloom.
    Korin Miller, Flow Space, 24 July 2025
  • However, the effect is somewhat modulated by other chemical compounds that promote relaxation in tea.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sport.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sport. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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