fun 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of funnext
as in amusing
providing amusement or enjoyment there were so many fun things to do at summer camp that the kids really hated to leave

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fun

2 of 3

noun

ˈfən How to pronounce fun (audio)
1
as in entertainment
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment theme parks with their rides, shows, and games are great fun for the whole family

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in play
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously when I said that playing the piano like that could get you arrested, I only said it in fun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself came outside to where we were playing touch football and joined the fun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity the fun really began when the deer broke out of its pen and started wandering down the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fun

3 of 3

verb

as in to joke
to make jokes just a couple of old friends funning with each other

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun fun differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fun are game, jest, play, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How do game and sport relate to one another, in the sense of fun?

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

made game of their poor relations

When can jest be used instead of fun?

The words jest and fun can be used in similar contexts, but jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

When might play be a better fit than fun?

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

pretended to strangle his brother in play

In what contexts can sport take the place of fun?

The synonyms sport and fun are sometimes interchangeable, but sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

How does the noun fun differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fun are game, jest, play, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How do game and sport relate to one another, in the sense of fun?

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

made game of their poor relations

When can jest be used instead of fun?

The words jest and fun can be used in similar contexts, but jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

When might play be a better fit than fun?

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

pretended to strangle his brother in play

In what contexts can sport take the place of fun?

The synonyms sport and fun are sometimes interchangeable, but sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

How does the noun fun differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fun are game, jest, play, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How do game and sport relate to one another, in the sense of fun?

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

made game of their poor relations

When can jest be used instead of fun?

The words jest and fun can be used in similar contexts, but jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

When might play be a better fit than fun?

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

pretended to strangle his brother in play

In what contexts can sport take the place of fun?

The synonyms sport and fun are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 fun
Adjective
Their sleek, minimalist design is easy to style with a range of spring looks, while the color accent and the unique stitching on the laces add fun details. —Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026 Perfect for the warm days ahead, this sleeveless top is a fun basic that can be styled in several ways. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
Tributes have been pouring in for the gregarious, fun-loving Irishman who is widely credited with turning the 305 into a world-class party destination. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 Alone without any adults, the boys attempt to organize themselves to get food, water, shelter and fun, electing a chief, Ralph (Winston Sawyers in the new series), and holding meetings where only the boy holding a large conch shell is allowed to talk. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fun
  1. amusing
  2. entertainment
  3. play
  4. relaxation
  5. commotion
  6. joke
  7. enjoyable
  8. delight
Adjective
  • And, as scripted by Craig Mazin (The Last of Us), their dialogue is both mildly amusing and intriguingly philosophical, if at times misguided.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
  • And while the performances and the writing are still spackled with amusing barbs and observations about some of the grossest people in American life, The Audacity is missing a crucial forward momentum.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2026
Definition of amusing
Noun
  • The bottom line Country Club Plaza remains Kansas City’s signature shopping and dining district, offering architecture, culture and entertainment just minutes from World Cup matches.
    — Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Sudarma hopes that guests will plan a day and stay, enjoying multiple meals and lots of entertainment, from Asian sports cars to kids’ hip hop dance classes (free).
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • That single play — driving through the offensive line, knocking the ball loose, and creating a turnover — became one of the defining moments of the game.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • James has handled the majority of the play-making responsibilities, had eight turnovers in each of the last two games.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Definition of play
Noun
  • And one of the best places to find this level of relaxation is on the beach.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The bright space includes two treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, salt relaxation room, sensorial shower, and a Sisley retail shop.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of relaxation
Noun
  • With all of the commotion made about his on-base streak being snapped, his performance on the mound was almost an afterthought.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
  • From its location away from the courtroom, the jury heard a commotion.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026
Definition of commotion
Verb
  • As an elder, Mellencamp often jokes about how many tours he was fired from in his salad days, usually because the headlining acts (KISS, REO Speedwagon, British hard rock act Rainbow) and their audiences didn’t take to his kiss-off attitude and misfit energy.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Jonas, who made his Broadway debut at age nine, isn’t joking about all the time she’s spent in the spotlight.
    — Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of joke
Adjective
  • Make working from home more enjoyable with a clever USB desk fan ($8) and soothing essential oil diffuser ($7).
    — Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
  • This premise, bolstered by excellent performances all around, could easily have sustained a totally enjoyable TV show.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of enjoyable
Noun
  • The attention-grabbing look marked the beginning of Rihanna’s continuing run of fashion dominance at the event, going big every time, to the delight of fashion lovers.
    — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In contrast to typical airline food drowning in salt and sauces, the culinary offerings aboard Aero are a delight, with meals created in partnership with Erewhon, Spago, Parm, Sadelle’s and Flora Farms along with an open bar of top-shelf spirits and Veuve Clicquot champagne.
    — Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of delight

Phrases Containing fun

Browse Nearby Words

fuming
fun
fun and games
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Cite this Entry

“Fun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fun. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fun

Nglish: Translation of fun for Spanish Speakers

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