SPORT Synonyms: 239 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sport 1 of 2

noun

Definition of sport next

as in recreation

activity engaged in to amuse oneself I don't care terribly whether I actually catch any fish, as I'm just doing this for sport

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in game

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

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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

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as in joke

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

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sport

2 of 2

verb

ˈspȯrt

as in to play

to engage in activity for amusement from sailing to snorkeling, each day we sported at a different activity offered by the beach resort

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as in to dance

to play and run about happily the millionaire's grandchildren sporting on the estate's spacious grounds

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as in to display

to present so as to invite notice or attention sported his flashy new car by driving it all over town

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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

For The Win's daily sports newsletter pairs the latest news from around the sports world with the smartest − yet somewhat irreverent – takes from FTW's staff. —

Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025 No one wins anything, not unless a fan places a side bet with a friend, even though sports gambling is strictly forbidden in the great state ‘a’ Texas, according to our fearless leader, noted liberal Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. —

Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2025

Verb

Skinner, a comedian and actor, sported custom ERL, which was a nod to his high school football days. —

Michaela Bechler, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2025 Trump has shown his face at plenty of sporting events over the years, getting face time at numerous UFC events. —

Ryan Morik, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sport

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sport

Noun

The Valentine’s Day event — centered on card making — provided a way to draw people back in, said Monica Benyamin, the recreation facility director.

— Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025
On top of that, the lakes are a major source of recreation in the area and generate millions of dollars for the local economy.

— Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025